HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04242001 - C.125 ............... Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Costa
FROM: Anne Cain, County Librarian e.'i•k `;
DATE April 10, 2001 C�SjA.COUf[ County
SUBJECT: Request for Authorization for the County Librarian to Execute a Contract Agreement with
CARL Corporation for Kid's Catalog Web
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)& BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
AUTHORIZE the County Librarian to execute a Contract Agreement with CARL Corporation for Kid's Catalog
Web, a web based product to help children find library materials and Internet links on a topic with a single search.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of $37,120 for the software, Internet links content subscription, and training is included in the FY 2000-
2001 budget for the County Library. The annual content subscription cost is $9,000.
BACKGROUND:
In 1995, the County Library contracted with the CARL Corporation to install a new integrated automation system.
One of the most popular modules of that original system has been Kid's Catalog, a graphical interface to the
library's catalog. However, it is a static product with no Internet linking capability, is no longer supported by CARL,
and is difficult for library staff to maintain. Its replacement, Kid's Catalog Web, has over 5,000 Internet links and
3,000 pre-constructed catalog searches selected and organized by children's librarians by age and reading levels.
The links will be updated quarterly for currency through a maintenance contract with CARL. Kid's Catalog Web is
also customizable so will allow Contra Costa County library staff to highlight local collections,create bibliographies,
and point children to the most appropriate online material for local school assignments or other interests.
CONTRA COSTA CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Applicability: Children Ready for and Succeeding in School
The Kid's Catalog Web product is designed to help children build research skills as they find the information they
need for their school work:
• A spell checker and extensive use of illustrations help the child learn new words.
• The selected websites are clear and intuitive so that a child can navigate and find information without
experiencing frustration.
• Reading-level graphics help children select a website at their level. Sites selected are those for which the
author or institution is an authority on the subject.
• Library materials are presented on the same page as websites, so that children get a balance of print and
online resources to choose from,which will help them to master their research topic.
The software will be accessible from home or from school computers and will be available 24 hours a day for
homework assistance.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: ❑ Y4 SIGNATURE: WAIIILL(?a 'yt,,
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE ❑OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BO D N ��/Ly LAX [� , o� APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED Z OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS:
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
—UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
AYES: NOES: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: '1
Contact: Anne Cain,County Librarian,(925)646-6423 ATTESTED p[ PO
JOHN SYVEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
cc: County Library SUPERVISORSAND COUNTY MINIS TOR
County Administrator /
County Auditor By ,Deputy
o:\bos\template\regular\kidscatweb.doc 4/10/01