AIRS Snapshot

FY08-09	FY09-10	FY10-11	FY11-12
Highlights: $1M in state funding, great AIRS package, diverse content + many databases, all libraries see value in overall package.	Highlights: $1M cut in state funding, by comparison to 08-09 an inferior package (EBSCO Elite). 40+ libraries upgrade (solo) to Premier.	Highlights: Same package (Elite) is considered. Same 40+ upgraders pay for Premier through AIRS, saves costs for each library AND extends Premier to all libraries.	Highlights: Tough decisions ahead.

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Colorado libraries receive a $1M infusion to AIRS through a legislated appropriation. The AIRS package during this year is enjoyed by all types of libraries, from K12 to Public to Academic, because it contains good content for everyone. Databases within that package include all of the customary titles plus many additional ones such as Novelist and Novelist K-8, Auto Repair Reference Center, History Reference Center, Literary Reference Center, Science Reference Center, Points of View Reference Center, and Consumer Health Complete. During this year the State Library doesn’t need to subsidize the package with LSTA (federal) funding.

The first of hard times to hit the state budget. The $1M appropriated during the previous year is cut by the legislature, resulting in a scramble to come up with a package that Colorado libraries can afford. The decision is to go with a package from EBSCO that includes Academic Search Elite, Business Source Elite, MasterFile Elite and others. Libraries are generally dissatisfied, but understanding given the financial situation. However, for 40+ libraries the package content is insufficient. These libraries elect INDIVIDUALLY to upgrade to Premier versions of several databases, directly through EBSCO. Meanwhile, the State Library subsidizes the Elite package with LSTA funds to ensure libraries can continue participation.

FY10-11 (July 10-Jun 11: Current year)

AIRS has successful negotiations with EBSCO. If the same 40+ libraries that chose to upgrade to Premier during the previous year continue, EBSCO will reduce the cost AND allow for Premier to be delivered to ALL libraries that subscribe to the AIRS package. Essentially, the 40+ libraries save money when compared to what they paid the previous year–same content, less money. Also, by virtue of the 40+ libraries paying to upgrade, all AIRS libraries benefit.

FY11-12 (July 11-Jun 12: Coming year)

The challenge is to arrive at a package that is affordable for libraries and has enough content to entice libraries to stay in the program. During the previous year (FY10-11), more than 180 school libraries drop participation in AIRS. With expected cuts of $250M to K12 education from the state, more school libraries likely will drop during this year. EBSCO works closely with AIRS and the State Library to reduce pricing for a package that is identical to the previous year, while adding in a complementary full text database. Together, all parties arrive at a package price that is affordable. Prices for participating libraries remains FLAT, with the State Library subsidizing the program with LSTA funds. 40+ libraries agree to upgrade selected databases to Premier once again, saving money over “going it alone” while allowing for the rest of the libraries in the cooperative to also receive Premier.