Thanks to the many librarians who have worked behind the scenes to make this happen, the Karla Harry Commission on Libraries, and the Chair of the Commission, Peter L. Lewiss (D-Westerly), SurfRI is back. Provided by the HELIN Library consortium, SurfRI has over 100 research databases to choose from that all Rhode Islanders may use from home, work, school, or local library.

A demonstration of SurfRI, Access to R.I. Statewide Databases, will take place at the State Library, located on the second floor of the State House on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. All are welcome!

Promote SurfRI at your library, in your book group, among your colleagues and friends. Log on yourself and experience the possibilities – http://helin.uri.edu/screens/riswdbmain.html

Why Statewide Databases are a Win/Win for all Rhode Islanders

Statewide Databases level the playing field and are cost effective. Statewide databases will:

• Provide all citizens with “one-stop” access to millions of quality information items at home, work, school or library.
• Promote academic excellence by providing quality research materials.
• Encourage economic growth by providing cutting-edge business information.
• Provide an economy of scale through statewide purchasing, resulting in competitive pricing for all libraries.

48 states already provide their citizens with this type of information access. Statewide Databases will provide access to online books, journals, newspapers, magazines, and research, quality information resources that libraries must pay for and some libraries cannot afford. SurfRI will make these resources available to all Rhode Islanders, regardless of their library affiliation.