by Mary Russell
Network Services, NHSL

The Next Generation Committee continues to work on selecting an appropriate automation system to replace our current Galaxy system. In the past several months the committee, and members of the New Hampshire library community, have seen demonstrations from several system vendors including Auto-graphics, DRA, Endeavor, Epixtech, The Library Corporation, and Innovative Interfaces, Inc. The committee is now drafting an RFP, which will be sent to the N.H. Division of Information and Technology Management (DITM) and to the NHAIS Board for review before it is sent out to interested vendors. The final draft will be made available via the web.

The State Library has requested that $468,000 be included in the Governor's budget for the 2001-2003 biennium to cover the cost of the new system. If this item is included in the budget that the Governor sends to the legislature and they approve it, then the funds would be available on or after July 1, 2001.

There are three things that you should do now to get ready for the new NHU-PAC:

1. Get on the Web - The new NHU-PAC will have a web-based interface, regardless of which vendor is chosen. Now is a good time for your library to access the World Wide Web if you don't already.

2. Be an advocate for this project with your state government - The funding for this project has to go through several steps before it is approved and your support will be extremely important throughout the process. Tell your state legislators (and Governor Shaheen) why this project is important to you and to your community.

3. Watch the web page for more information: www.state.nh.us/nhsl/nhupac) - If you have questions about the progress of this project, want to read the RFP, or want to check out the vendors we are considering, the web page is the place to go. You can also find contract information for the members of the Next Generation committee here if you have questions or concerns that are not addressed by the web page.