NewsBank - General

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(Note from the Washington State Library:  In order to participate in the Fall 1999 Washington State Databases Trial, each vendor was asked to address questions the Statewide Database Licensing Committee felt were most critical in order for library staff to evaluate products and vendors.  Please contact the vendor's representative, listed below, for additional information on this product.)

1. Describe the database product(s). Include information on subject scope, percentage of full-text, dates of coverage, target audience (including age ranges), and how often the contents are updated. 

2. What are the hardware and software requirements for using all the features of the product(s)? 

All databases on the Washington State Fall Trial are searchable through the World Wide Web. The browser used to access the Internet sets the minimum hardware and software requirements. NewsBank recommends a modem speed of 28.8 or above, however, lower speed modems will still function. Below is a list of the browser requirements:

Minimum Browser Requirements for NewsBank InfoWeb

NewsBank InfoWeb will be fully functional for all users whose browsers and systems meet the MINIMUM requirements detailed in the chart below. Enhancements provided by meeting the RECOMMENDED requirements include additional browsing functions in our Customized Search area, increased viewing area (less scrolling required) and more easily accessible controls such as buttons, drop-down fields and dialog boxes.

1. Although Microsoft Explorer 3.x doesn't allow for access to the full version of InfoWeb, it is still possible to use this version of the browser to perform searches. However, search field browsing (IE3, Macintosh) will not be available. To ensure that all of NewsBank InfoWeb features will function properly, install one of the "minimum" browsers listed above.
2. America Online users: Be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in the chart above to ensure that NewsBank InfoWeb functions properly. Note that the latest version of America Online - version 4.0 - does not necessarily integrate a browser which meets these guidelines. Please contact America Online if you are uncertain about which AOL browser you are using.

3. Is remote access included for the subscription price?  If there are additional charges or requirements in order to offer remote access, please describe.   What methods of remote access are supported?

Due to publisher restrictions, remote access is available, at no additional charge, for students of an Academic Institution (2 & 4 Year Colleges/Universities) and a Public or Private School (Grades K to 12) only. Please see the answer to Question Number 4 below for what methods are supported.

4. Please discuss any methods or assistance you offer regarding remote access patron verification and authentication.

The method most commonly used for verification and authentication of remote access patrons is by the patron entering a user name and password. Where possible, IP Addresses or cookies can be used. Assistance is available from our Customer Service Support Desk (Please see the answer to Question Number 6 below for more details).

Note: Due to publisher restrictions, remote access is available, at no additional charge, for students of an Academic Institution (2 & 4 Year Colleges/Universities) and a Public or Private School (Grades K to 12) only.

5. What end user delivery options, such as printing, emailing or faxing results, are available beyond just viewing results on the computer monitor?

Users are able to view, print and e-mail search results. Faxing can be supported through 3^rd party software or services.

6. What customer training is provided, and at what cost?

NewsBank will provide training for new users via an On-line Tutorial at no charge. This downloadable training is available to all users on an unlimited basis. Additionally, each library will have access to our Customer Service Support Desk available at (800)243-7694 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EST). Our Customer Service Support desk is a full service department, whose phones are answered by a live person able to answer questions about the product, its use and for troubleshooting technical problems. Additionally, all of NewsBank’s products contain help screens on how to use, site and support the database. On-site training is available at an additional charge.

7. What customer and technical support is provided, including hours of operation.

NewsBank's Customer Service Support Desk is available at the number (800)243-7694 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EST) or via e-mail at [email protected]. Our Customer Service Support desk is a full service department, whose phones are answered by a live person able to answer questions about the product, its use and for troubleshooting technical problems.

8. Describe the statistics you provide, and discuss whether your statistical reporting complies with guidelines developed by the International Coalition of Library Consortia which may be found at www.library.yale.edu/consortia/webstats.html .

NewsBank complies with the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) in the following ways:

NewsBank can provide usage statistics on the following use elements:

• Number of Searches (Keyword and Customized)
• Number of Sessions (Logins)
• Number of Articles Viewed

Each use element can be delineated by the following subdivisions:

• By each specific database (Product)
• By each institutionally-defined set of IP addresses
• By total consortium
• By special data element passed by subscriber (etc., Account or ID Number)

Note: Usage statistics are reported daily and this data can be maintained for 24 months

9. Describe your pricing structure or formula for the product. If there are additional costs for retrieving full text, describe the pricing for this service. 

All prices are based on the type of institution (Academic Library, Public Library or School Library), the size of the institution and the number of libraries within the institution. Pricing varies by product and by the institution size. The size of the institution is measured as follows:

• Academic Libraries - Full Time Enrollment (FTE)
• Public Libraries - Population Served or Book Volumes
• School Libraries - Full Time Enrollment (FTE)

Prices vary by product, please call for pricing (See #11 below for contact information).

10. What is the minimum participation level (however you care to define it) that would be needed to allow participating libraries to receive a discount? What is the minimum discount for a group buy? Please clarify how you would treat existing library customers with regard to a group buy.

NewsBank provides a discount off of our list price for Academic Libraries, Public Libraries and School Libraries. Additional group buying discounts are available based on the following criteria:

The below Academic Library and Public Library Discount Chart applies based on the following condition:

When NewsBank receives a single order that includes 20 Subscriptions to any individual product. (Note: A single order is an order for multiple institutions using one PO/Payment. Subsequent orders will not qualify for the discount unless that particular order meets one of the discount requirements above.)

Note: Current NewsBank customers, who are subscribing to products which become part of a group buy, will be provided a prorated credit for their unused subscriptions that overlap the subscription period for the qualifying group buy.

Academic Library and Public Library Discounts

Revenue Over	20 or more total sites
$10,000	5%
$25,000	10%
$50,000	15%
$75,000	20%

School Library Discounts:

The below School Library Discount Grid applies based on the following conditions:

1. When a School District orders any combination of products that fits the following criteria:

• Minimum of 2 non-elementary schools to qualify. (Can be 2 High Schools or 1 High School & 1 Middle School)
• If no High Schools are in the district, then you must have at least 2 Middle Schools to qualify for the District Discount.

           OR

2. When NewsBank receives a single order that includes 20 subscriptions to any individual product. (Note: A single order is an order for multiple schools using one PO/Payment. Subsequent orders will not qualify for the discount unless that particular order meets one of the discount requirements above.)

Note: Current NewsBank customers, who are subscribing to products which becomes part of a group buy, will be provided a prorated credit for their unused subscriptions that overlap the subscription period for the qualifying group buy.

School Library Discount Grid

Revenue Over	50% of FTEs or 5 total sites	75% of FTEs or 10 total sites	100% of FTEs or 20 total sites
$10,000	5%	5%	5%
$25,000	10%	10%	10%
$50,000	15%	15%	15%
$75,000	-	-	20%

11.  Please provide name and contact information (toll-free telephone number, e-mail address, hours, etc.) should libraries wish to make further inquires.

Product, Pricing or Ordering Information:

Sales Staff
Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST)
Phone: (800)762-8182
Fax: (941)263-3004
E-mail: [email protected]

Customer Service and Technical Support:

Customer Service Staff
Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (EST)
Phone: (800)243-7694
Fax: (802)875-2904
E-mail: [email protected]

WA State Trial Contract Information:

Scott Sawyer
Sales and Marketing Project Manager
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)
Phone: (800)762-8182 ext. 103
Fax: (941)263-3004
E-mail: [email protected]

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