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Research & Development

BCR's Research & Development (R&D) unit investigates proposed new services, organizes free trials of databases, provides statistical analyses and service surveys, negotiates large group contracts and administers special projects. The use of R&D services grew by more than 40 percent in FY 2002-2003. Some 288 libraries participated in one or more of the free database trials. The R&D program concluded new contracts for services from Morningstar, the Congressional Quarterly Electronic Library, Alexander Street Press, LION, HeritageQuest and the Facts on File News Service. And 683 libraries subscribed to the database contracts developed under the R&D program. In addition, R&D personnel organized 26 training sessions as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants to libraries in Idaho and Montana.

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