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TexShare is a dual-purpose program through the Texas State Library. Its purpose is to allow Texas libraries to share information and materials.
The first part of TexShare, the TEXSHARE CARD PROGRAM, has the goal of promoting and facilitating access to information, communication, and scholarly research. If the materials you need are not available at the library where you are a registered user, a TexShare card allows you to borrow them from any participating library in Texas. The majority of Texas libraries participate in the program..
In order to take advantage of this program, you must be a registered borrower at your local library. (See How do I get a library card? for information on what is required at UPPL.)
Once you have your UPPL library card, ask the person at the check out desk for a TexShare card. Consult the TexShare Web site for a list of participating libraries. At the participating library you visit, present your TexShare card and a photo I.D. at the check out desk to activate your check out privileges. (Please note, TexShare cards have expiration dates. Make sure yours is valid before attempting to use it.)
You must return the materials you borrow to the lending library by the due date, either in person or by mail. Fees will be assessed for lost, late, or damaged materials. Unpaid charges may result in loss of TexShare privileges.
Each participating library sets its own lending policy. You may be limited as to what and/or how many items you may borrow. Specific policies are available at the Libraries and Catalogs link on the TexShare Web site.
The second component of TexShare is a set of ONLINE DATABASES, which are available on the computers at the library or from your home. To access the databases, you must pick up the web address (URL) and password at the checkout desk at the library. This information cannot be mailed, emailed, or relayed over the telephone.
Once the database site has come up on your screen, select and click on your area of interest. Select your preferred database from those listed.
What can you find on the TexShare databases list?
- full-text magazine and newspaper articles and citations to other articles
- Medline, for articles on medical subjects
- Business Source Premier, for articles on business subjects
- a collection of over 27,000 eBooks, including titles from the world’s leading business, technology, trade, reference, academic, and scholarly publishers
- a literature resource center, including Contemporary Authors, Contemporary Literary Criticism, and Dictionary of Literary Biography.
- Student Resource Center Gold, which is designed for students and includes sections on geography and cultures, history, literature, science and health, a dictionary, a timeline, and a toolbox of research tips and tools
- HeritageQuest Online, a genealogy research tool
These databases may change every year in July depending upon funding provided by the Texas State Legislature. The ones listed above are expected to be renewed for 2005-2006.
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