Database options for student research demonstrated
School Library System pricing provides
significant cost savings
 Several
research database companies came to HFM BOCES to demonstrate
their wares on Thursday, March 5 at the request of the HFM
School Library System. All member-school library media
specialists and administrators were invited for a hands-on look
at database products and services that could most benefit their
students.
These educational databases are part of statewide group
purchasing negotiated through the New York State School Library
System Association. The resulting prices of this “group buy” are
discounts of up to 70% for member districts of the HFM School
Library System. In addition, the cost is then “aid-able,” which
means the state reimburses the schools at their BOCES aid ratio.
This ratio varies from district to district.
Many of the 12 participating companies handle multiple databases
suitable for schools. These important research tools include
newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias and e-books.
In hard financial times, these cooperatively purchased and
shared resources are a great way to insure that all students
under the School Library System’s umbrella are equipped with
excellent classroom tools that are affordable for their school
districts.
To learn more about making school research databases available
in your district, contact School Library System Director Deborah
Booth at (518) 736-4370 or by email at dbooth@hfmboces.org. |
