In the absence of Texas Library Connection (TLC) resources formerly provided by the state, ESC Region 12 has been directing districts and campuses to opportunities for purchasing online databases from a variety of sources at significant discounts. Sources for online databases are as follows:

Digital Knowledge Central
To order Digital Knowledge Central databases, please complete and send your Purchase Order directly to ESC Region 20. ESC Region 12 will still provide support and training on these databases, but ESC Region 20 will take your order. For more information on the DKC databases, please visit the DKC web site.

Facts on File
Instructional Media Center Services members receive Facts on File free of charge as a part of their membership fee. Other campuses interested in receiving this service may purchase it directly from ESC Region 12. Campuses contracting with ESC 12 for Videostreaming services receive a discount.

State Funded K-12 Database Program
During the 2007 session, the Texas State Legislature added Rider 88 to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) budget. Rider 88 directs the Commissioner of Education to transfer amounts not to exceed $2.5 million each year of the 2008-2009 biennium to TSLAC for the purpose of acquiring "online research and information resources for libraries in public schools, and for administrative expenses."

TEA, TSLAC, and Education Service Center Region 20 are collaborating in the implementation of this program. Non-public schools may order the same package through Digital Knowledge Central.

Other Databases
ESC Region 12 has entered into a partnership with ESC Region XI for a database purchasing cooperative for 2006-2007. This cooperative includes many new databases in addition to the ones previously available through ESC 12. To order the databases in this cooperative, enter your order online at the Texas Educational Technology "Group" Purchasing Consortium (TETPC) web site. Then submit your purchase order to ESC Region XI.