November. 6, 1998

New, extensive periodicals database now available to all library patrons

The San Juan Island Library District announces the delivery of a new, extensive database resource to all library patrons, through a Washington State Library program.

A Consortium of libraries throughout Washington selected UMI as the vendor to deliver a periodicals database to all participating libraries in the state. All San Juan Island Library patrons now have access to the UMI database, known as ProQuest Direct, both from the library's patron workstations, and remotely over the Internet via the library's web site.

The ProQuest Direct database catalogs the contents of over 2,400 different journals, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and other sources, and provides full text archives for many of these publications. Also included in the ProQuest Direct database are full-text archives of the New York Times, the Seattle Times, and several Washington state regional newspapers. Available issues vary by publication, with many titles archived back as far as the early 90's. Seattle Times coverage begins in 1988, with comprehensive full text coverage starting in 1997. The New York Times archives go back through 1986, with full text coverage for the most recent 90 days.

Library Director Kathleen McHarg said about the database, "The availability of this resource represents an exciting new level of service that the library is able to provide, due largely to the cooperative effort of all the state's libraries in agreeing to purchase the statewide license. The database is a wonderful example of how new technologies can make information retrieval faster, easier, and far more accessible to all citizens."

The library will initially offer the ProQuest Direct database on two adult workstations, and one children's workstation using a kid-friendly interface. To use the database remotely over the Internet, patrons may visit the library's web site, www.sanjuan.lib.wa.us, and enter the On-Line Catalog's "Patron Information" section. Upon validation of their barcode at the sign-in prompt, patrons may freely use the database. For more information, contact Wade Guidry, wguidry@sanjuan.lib.wa.us.