N e w s R e l e a s e s

BCR Helps Member Libraries Reduce Costs

AURORA, CO, NOVEMBER 27, 2002 — After discussing the funding crisis facing librarians across the region, the BCR Board of Trustees has decided to reduce OCLC search charges effective January 1. OCLC cataloging, ILL and union list users can expect to see lower prices reflected on February's invoice (which will be for January activity).

Announcing the decision, BCR Board of Trustees President, Lesley Boughton said, "We know that most BCR member libraries have already seen budget cutbacks this year and are likely to see more funding reductions in the coming months. Reducing BCR's prices for OCLC products will help hundreds of libraries across the region. This price reduction was recommended by the management team and unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees because it furthers BCR's mission of helping the library community by offering cost-effective services that promote resource sharing for all types of libraries."

Emphasizing BCR's continued commitment to work on behalf of the library community, BCR Executive Director David Brunell said, "This will be the third major reduction in network surcharges that BCR has implemented since the recession began. This has not been an easy process for the network and required us to reorganize and reduce our staff levels. But we estimate these reductions in our prices will have saved our member libraries a significant amount by the end of this fiscal year. In addition, during this economic downturn BCR consultants and trainers have made numerous presentations on how to use online information resources more efficiently. I believe that a combination of lower prices and more cost-effective use of online systems will allow most libraries in the region to continue to share resources and maintain access to these vital information resources. I also believe that both BCR and the library community across the West will emerge from this difficult time as stronger and more capable organizations."

Every fiscal year, the BCR management team critically reviews BCR's OCLC pricing structure and system use patterns. BCR's recent reorganization and ongoing cost- cutting measures have allowed BCR to take continuing steps aimed at helping libraries do more with less.

The BCR Board of Trustees and management team realize that just reducing the OCLC searching charges will not solve all libraries' budget problems. It is hoped that this midyear price reduction will help, and BCR staff look forward to assisting member libraries survive these fiscally uncertain times.

BCR, a multistate library service nonprofit, helps member libraries acquire, implement and manage automated information services. BCR provides the latest in information and technology training including Web-based workshops; access, training and support for OCLC services; discounts on reference databases, electronic books, library-related software and hardware; consulting; online database publishing; and custom cataloging.

BCR's member states are Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. All libraries in these states are BCR members and can take advantage of the many benefits BCR has to offer.

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