Electronic Resources at my Library

As I read about electronic resources and databases that libraries subscribe to, I began to think about having unlimited access to resources at all times without being in a library.  Electronic resources are a service that is provided by libraries for patrons to use in or outside of libraries.  Being a student that lives far from my campus, I think about how I access all of my material, and have 24/7 access to material through the VSU library. Valdosta State subscribes to many electronic resources, especially databases. 

Through Valdosta I have access to GALIELO. GALIELO is the GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online (GALILEO, 2014).  Libraries and education institutions have access to GALILEO, which include access to over 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals. Over 10,000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications (GALILEO, 2014). On top of what Valdosta offers, Valdosta also subscribes to more journals and databases that can only be accessed by logging into my VSU Any Where Access.

As I thought about having anywhere access through my university, I thought about the access at my local library.  My local library has the same GALIELO access, but with fewer databases than VSU, but they still have the same quality journal articles and resources that may be hard to find or purchase individual.  I do not have anywhere access, but when I go into the library I can show my library card and get a pass code that allows me to enter the database. 

With electronic resources for libraries, the access for patrons is ideal.  GALILEO works with publishers and databases such as EBSCO and ProQuest, but the cost is substantial. Libraries do have to pay subscription cost for having access to the journals and databases they purchase.  It can get costly when adding e-books and purchasing access to journals.  Libraries are providing a service for patrons even as the cost have risen over the years.  GALILEO is a great resource that is funded through education in the state of Georgia. Overall, electronic resources is vital to libraries because the accessing these resources 24/7.  

References

GALILEO. (2014). About the Initiative. Retrieved from GALILEO: An Iniitiative of the University of Georgia: http://about.galileo.usg.edu/