HCPS FL Logo Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, June 12, 2012
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve Renewal Subscription and License Agreement with The Gale Group, Inc. (Gale) to Provide Access to Electronic Resources, 2012/2017 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We are requesting approval of The Gale Group, Inc. subscription and license agreement to provide students and staff the capability to search, download, view, and print information to assist them to complete reports for subjects across the curriculum, and involve families in supporting literacy in their homes. The Gale Group databases contain full text information from Gale reference books and periodicals and can be accessed by students and staff through the Internet from home or school.

This agreement is for a period of five years beginning August 1, 2012, renewable annually. The vendor will also provide professional development to media specialists and district staff, and monthly usage statistics for each school. The district has subscribed to The Gale Group databases for the past 10 years with excellent usage statistics. Students and staff made an average of 100,000 searches per month from home and school during the 2011/2012 school year.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners • Align financial resources to support the district’s strategic goals
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds of $450,000 ($90,000 per year for five years) are included in the categorical state library media funds, Project 4505.
EVALUATION
Monthly usage statistics for all middle and high schools will be provided to the district by the vendor.  A survey will be developed and administered to the staff and students to evaluate the effectiveness of these products.
SUBMITTED BY:  Rebecca T. Kaskeski, Ed.D., General Director, Middle School Education
Christine VanBrunt, Supervisor, Library Media Services 6-12
Wynne. A. Tye   Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
  Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4270
    A 5.06
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20120612_503 (Board Meeting) * Section A Item# 5.06