Libraries will be transferred progressively to the new system between July and September 1996 as global and local data files are converted. The library sector will continue to expand access to databases in response to demand from staff and students. Whenever possible these will be made available across the network throughout the University. A flexible selection policy will be required to take account of alternative means of access, quality of user interface, pricing structures and issues such as network congestion. Attention will be paid to new types of database which are becoming available, including multimedia interactive products serving the teaching function and electronic journals serving the research community.
Magnetic servers offer better performance and access than CD-ROM servers.
Both will require additional resources which have yet to be quantified. Faculties are being consulted to ensure that material selected for inclusion is appropriate to teaching and research needs. Examples are the Text Base of Women's Writings of the Romantic Period, the Toronto Corpus of Old English Texts, and Religious Studies Materials. The Department of Plant Sciences will offer an electronic library of information relating to biological sciences, forestry, agriculture, and the use of natural resources. These services will provide access to information generated or organised within the University and to Internet sources outside Oxford.