Managing statewide databases in your library
NSW.net provides all NSW public libraries with free access to a collection of online databases each year.
This is to ensure that libraries can offer their communities a quality set of online information resources and assist them in meeting their statutory requirements to provide free information services to their communities.
Statewide licenced databases
NSW.net provides all NSW public libraries with free access to 17 online databases that have been licenced for statewide use.
The content for the statewide databases is negotiated and licensed in consultation with the NSW content working group each year. Since 2021, content has been provided by Gale.
The databases include:
- Full-text coverage of major Australian and international newspapers as well as hundreds of Australian local and regional newspapers.
- Peer-reviewed academic journals from around the world in a wide variety of disciplines and subjects.
- Book reviews and curated book lists in a range of genres and topics.
- Multimedia content including an ABC news archive.
- Magazine archives of National Geographic and the Smithsonian Magazine.
Gale powerpacks
Gale powerpacks are subject-specific collections ideal for vocational and academic study. They are populated by the most relevant periodicals for particular areas of study.
Powerpack titles include: Agriculture, Business, Communication and Media, Computer Science, Contemporary Women's Issues, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diversity Studies, Economics and Theory, Educator's Reference Complete, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies and Policy, Fine Arts, Gardening and Horticulture, Gender Studies, Health and Medicine, Home Improvement, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Science, Insurance and Liability, Leadership and Management, Legaltrac, Military and Intelligence, Nursing and Allied Health, Therapy and Sports Medicine, Popular Cultural Studies, Popular Magazines, Psychology, Religion and Philosophy, Science, and US History.
For a detailed overview please refer to the Powerpack Guide.
Public libraries can select up to five Powerpacks by contacting the Gale technical support team.
Your library website
Make sure you have listed the databases on your library website. If you don't have the full list of databases on your library website, please contact the Gale technical support team.
Databases may change as a result of negotiations each year. If this happens, a representative from Gale will contact your library to provide product URLs and website icons for any new databases.
Promoting the databases
You can let your community know about the statewide databases in a variety of ways including displaying promotional material, posting on social media and using the databases during reference interactions.
Gale provides marketing resources for public libraries to use including posters, 'how to' guides, social media images and short promotional videos. You can find these on the Gale support hub for NSW public libraries.
Training
Training for public library staff to develop their knowledge and skills in using the statewide databases is available.
Training opportunities include:
- Introduction to statewide databases workshop (in person, 2 hours)
- Introduction to statewide database mini module (online, 15 minutes)
- Gale webinars
You can find more information on the Training page.
Find out about upcoming training opportunities by subscribing to the dbcontacts email list.
Technical support
Gale provides technical support for public libraries to get the most of the statewide databases. This includes help with set up and accessibility of the resources through your library website and catalogue.
Contact the Gale technical support team for help with:
- URLs and website icons for statewide databases
- onsite and remote access issues
- changes to IP range
- usage statistics
- updating library card number sequences
- adding MARC records to your catalogue
You can also catch up on Gale's Tech Talks series of webinars on the Gale support hub for NSW public libraries.