In Reference ...

FirstSearch Price Rising

The OCLC FirstSearch service price increases July 1 by 2-cents ($.02) per search in each volume category ($.62, $.72 and $.82). From July 1 through September 30 libraries may buy any number of FirstSearch search blocks at the lowest price of 62-cents ($.62) per search. Purchases made during this time qualify libraries to make additional purchases in the next 12 months at the lowest prevailing price (62-cents per search). By purchasing five blocks or more during the July 1 through September 30 period, libraries will receive free WilsonSelect full-text until September 30.

ECO Database Included in FirstSearch

The Electronic Collections Online database in early May became part of the package for current FirstSearch base package subscribers (except public and school libraries). During May and June, most base package subscribers (except those sites that participated in another 1998 ECO trial) also are receiving free access to most ECO full-text journals. They will be able to extend their full-text access beyond June by participating in the ECO print subscribers program. To date, 29 publishers make more than 1,200 journals available through ECO. For a list see the ECO web site at. Electronic Journals Online is now providing a faster display of PDF-formatted articles.

SilverPlatter Offers New Databases

SilverPlatter has made six new databases available. For pricing and other information, contact BCR's Karen Graham.

SilverPlatter Databases Updated

Three Silver-Platter database products have been updated:

SilverPlatter on the Internet

SilverPlatter offers Internet access to databases through its Internet Subscription Service. Choose from more than 200 SilverPlatter databases available through the Internet, including many core reference databases and complementary offerings. For a free 30-day trial contact BCR's Karen Graham.

New Britannica Online Offered

The latest version of Britannica Online is now available. New features include a low-graphics version, topic maps in article hitlists directing the user to additional information on the topic and the 1998 Britannica Book of the Year. (For questions or to subscribe to any reference database -- CD-ROM, online or Internet-accessible -- contact BCR's Jim Hensinger () or Karen Graham ().