What is the Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee (SDLAC)?
The SDLAC advises the LSTA Advisory Council and State Library staff on the resources provided by the SDLP. It advises on the drafting of requests for proposal, the review of proposals, the recommendation to license database(s), and the allocation of costs to participating libraries when needed. Membership includes representatives from each type of library that participates in the program. The committee meets at least twice a year and more often during proposal/procurement processes.
What is the process for adding new resources to the SDLP?
The SDLAC identifies resources and receives suggestions from the library community for resources for the SDLP. It performs request for proposal development and database product evaluation as needed. It also provides ongoing database product assessment and collects customer feedback. Final resource recommendations are made to the LSTA Advisory Council, and if approved, are then finalized by the State Library Board.
How can I submit a suggestion for new resources to add to the SDLP?
The SDLAC welcomes suggestions for resources from the library community. Suggestions can be submitted via this form at any time. Suggestions are reviewed by State Library staff to determine if a statewide license is a viable option. The proposal and additional information is compiled and made available to SDLAC members prior to each semiannual committee meeting, where new resource proposals will be discussed.
After committee discussion, members may decide not to pursue proposal, to gather additional information, or to pursue the proposal and determine next steps for recommending the product be added to the SDLP program. Regardless of which action is taken, the person/organization submitting the resource proposal will be alerted to the SDLAC decision within two weeks after the SDLAC meeting.
How does the SDLAC evaluate suggestions?
There are a variety of criteria used to evaluate resources for the Statewide Database Licensing Program. The following list is not exhaustive, but the type of criteria used are:
- demonstrated need in the library community, either across all library types or for a specific group (K-12, public, etc.)
- duplication and/or improved access over other products
- availability for statewide licensing (not all vendors offer statewide licenses)
- cost
Why does the State Library require a competitive sealed proposal process for online resource contracts?
According to ORS 279B.050, Oregon state agencies are required to use a competitive sealed proposal process for all contracts over $10,000. Typically, contracts licensing electronic resources for statewide use exceed this amount. For contracts over $150,000, the State Library must work with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services’ Procurement Services to manage the procurement process.
Where does the money for resources come from?
The State Library receives funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through Library and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to State Program. Using the State Library’s LSTA Five-Year Plan, the LSTA Advisory Council makes recommendations on how to allocate this money in the Spring of each fiscal year to the State Library Board. The Board then approves the final budget. Money is typically allocated to ongoing programs such as the SDLP, Answerland, and OSLIS as well as a competitive grant program to fund individual library projects. Since 2009, the State Library has fully funded the cost of resources in the SDLP. Prior to 2009, the State Library funded a 50% subsidy for academic and public libraries and fully funded school and tribal libraries.
