Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Purchase of the Gale Cengage Learning Virtual Reference Library (GRVL) (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

We request approval to purchase the Gale Virtual Reference Library for all senior high schools.

GRVL, a virtual reference library, provides access to students. They can access E-books 24 hours a day using computers in the media center or from the student’s home any time of the day, 356 days a year. GRVL offers multi-volume sets, 3,000 reference sources, and an easy to use platform. When purchased as a district, this cost-effective program will provide teachers another tool to encourage student learning by using technology.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

The cost for the Gale Virtual Reference Library will be paid over a two-year period from state library categorical funds. The cost for each year is $49,477 for a total cost of $98,954.

EVALUATION

Gale Cengage will provide each school monthly usage statistics for the virtual library. Each media specialist will record the data in their Secondary Media Online Quarterly Reports.

SUBMITTED BY: Denny B. Oest, General Director, Secondary Education
Christine Van Brunt, Supervisor, Library Media Services 6-12

Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
A 5.22
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090519_351 * Section A Item# 5.22