Online Library Access
This project will involve funding the purchase and development of MnSCU wide proxy services for our libraries and fund the initial research and exploration of a MnSCU wide online discovery layer tool for our libraries.
1. A proxy server enables students and faculty to access library and research databases from off-campus. This project would replace our current proxy software that we charge out to campuses and replace it with a much more advanced and robust software package. This project will also cover the costs of the software for all campuses for the first year and then have a lower ongoing cost for subsequent years, compared to our current software.
2. A Discovery tool enable students and faculty to have a more seamless search tool to access library catalogs, full-text journal databases, and linking to full-text articles. This project would supplement our existing Aleph library catalogs search interface and provide our students and faculty with a much improved search experience.
Prior system investment in project; We currently have trained personnel in the MnSCU/PALS office in Mankato who are knowledgeable with these types of services. We currently have an existing proxy system in place, but it is no longer being improved or developed on.
We currently have an existing integrated library system and our campuses all have access to online databases containing full-text journal articles. This system would add a layer on top of these existing tools.
