How can I find out if ADSL is available in my area?
To check your site’s ADSL availability, click on the link (Telstra ADSL qualifier) then enter your details to see if you have access to ADSL: www.telstra.com.au/demand/search.cfm
TIP: It’s always a good idea to enter in a fax number instead of a telephone number as it tends to improve the accuracy of the Telstra qualifier
What speed should I expect on my new ADSL2 connection?
ADSL2 is the next generation of ADSL broadband. Speeds can range from 10Mbps to 20Mbps but will vary due to a number of factors including distance from the local exchange, quality of the customer’s copper line and equipment.
What authentication methods for accessing eResources are available?
The majority of eResource products use your institution’s IP address for internal authentication. Remote access is generally enabled using the registered patron ID or Barcode. Several eBook vendors prefer referring URL or EZPROXY for remote access.
What do I do if my council/library IP address changes?
As internal authentication is based upon your library service’s IP address range, any change to your IP address range will disable automatic authentication unless you notify the vendor prior to the change. For NSW.net Consortia opt-in databases, please refer to the eResources product page for vendor contact details.
What is the invoicing cycle for NSW.net Consortia opt-in databases?
NSW.net Consortia opt-in offers are aligned to the financial year (July – June) in accordance with the local Government budget cycle. Each year the Consortia offers are renegotiated in March and announced in April with new subscriptions commencing in July. In circumstances whereby a library is interested in subscribing to a product after July the vendor will apply a pro-rata subscription which will align the subscription to the NSW.net subscription cycle.
How do you evaluate what databases should be included in those provided by NSW.net?
The content of databases is evaluated using selection criteria established by the NSW.net Content Working Group. This group consists of representatives from small, medium and large metropolitan and country public libraries, the State Library and NSW.net and the group meets several times each year. In consultation with the Content Working Group, NSW.net selects databases for trial and before setting up a trial, gauges interest from public library network. If there is sufficient interest from public libraries a trial is hosted on the NSW.net website. The trial will generally run for 30 days and members of the Content Working Group and the public library network are invited to assess the product and complete the online evaluation form. Assuming that the evaluations are positive and the vendor agrees to the key requirements for participation in the NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Scheme; the product is offered to the public library network as a Consortia Opt-in Offer.
How do I obtain eResource usage statistics for the State-wide licensed databases?
To obtain usage statistics for the EBSCO and SAI Global state-wide licensed databases please refer to the technical support section [internal link].
Does NSW.net provide free access to Web security email and filtering services?
Yes. Each year NSW.net purchases a number of MessageLabs email and web filtering licences from Symantec.cloud for use by NSW.net connectivity clients. If spare licences for email and/or web filtering are available, NSW.net can allocate these spare licences to your organisation. Contact NSW.net for your request.
What do I need to do if the Internet is not working?
If your ADSL service has gone down, we recommend that you reboot your ADSL modem and firewall and wait 10 minutes. If the service has not returned, you should log a call with Hitech Support on (02) 8883 4355.
I would like to develop policies to guide the usage of the internet by the public.
The Library Council of NSW has endorsed Internet Policy Guidelines for NSW public libraries. The Guidelines are available on the State Library of New South Wales website.
The Guidelines have been developed to assist NSW public libraries develop up to date policies for internet usage by the public.
How can I keep up with NSW.net eResources developments?
Libraries interested in keeping up with NSW.net eResource developments are advised to subscribe to the appropriate News, Blog and Twitter feeds [url links].
Are there any libraries already using the Wireless Management System and if so, can you please send me a few names so that we can contact them to find out how this is working out for them?
NSW.net can provide you with some reference sites, however, we will need to give them a courtesy call prior to providing you with their details.
Are the NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Offers available to library services in other sectors (TAFE, Academic, Schools, etc)?
No. The NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Offers are only available to NSW public libraries.
How does the NSW.net wireless Internet access for libraries work? I assume people have to tune in and log on with a user ID and a password.
Basically, we set up a Wireless Access Point (small wireless radio device) in the vicinity of where the public users will be able to sit at a desk with their laptops. This Wireless Access Point is connected back into the Sonicwall firewall. The wireless access point then allows public users to connect to your existing NSW.net internet service.
Will online training courses be developed by NSW.net in the near future?
Yes. NSW.net is in the process of developing online training courses in addition to the face-to-face state-wide database training. This material will be available on the NSW.net web site later on in the year.
Where is regional state-wide database training held?
For the last 3 years, NSW.net has been conducting state-wide database training at five regional locations: Port Macquarie, Singleton, Lismore, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. These locations have facilities which cater to our needs for fast reliable internet access and training facilities.
How do you set up remote access to the state-wide databases?
Remote access to the EBSCO state-wide databases is via your library patron barcode range. If this information is not registered in the EBSCO database, then your patrons will not be able to access these resources remotely. Call NSW.net to set up this access.
How do I report an Internet service fault?
The NSW.net Support Program provides phone and remote support to assist you with issues related to your NSW.net connectivity services. On Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm you should report all internet related problems to the Hitech Support Help Desk on (02) 8883 4355. Hitech will manage your call by liaising directly with you and your ISP to rectify your problem. If you wish to escalate any problems, please contact NSW.net on 1800 679 638. Outside of these hours, internet related problems should be reported directly to your ISP’s Network Operations Centre (NOC).
Will I need special equipment to take advantage of the new speed?
New and existing sites will be provided with ADSL2 compatible modems/routers and SonicWall firewalls to take advantage of the higher speed.
I can’t seem to access the NSW.net state-wide databases?
The state-wide databases use IP authentication as a means of controlling access. Many organisations upgrade their Internet services regularly, so your new IP address has probably not been registered with the state-wide database vendors. You will need to contact NSW.net to update your IP address.
How do I subscribe to a NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Offer eResource?
Simply contact the sales representative listed on the product page and indicate that you would like to take advantage of the NSW.net Consortia Opt-in Offer for the desired product. The pricing is listed on the eResourses product page and is accessible to registered NSW public library staff.
Can I trial the products before I buy?
The majority of NSW.net vendors provide free product trials.
Product trials for discovery tools, catalogue enhancements and some eBook platforms are not possible due to substantial set-up and configuration requirements. In such circumstances NSW.net can provide contact details for existing clients to facilitate an assessment of the product.
What do I do if staff and clients can no longer access a State-wide licensed database?
Please refer to troubleshooting common problems [internal link]. If you require further assistance please contact Ross Balharrie 9273 1498 rbalharrie@sl.nsw.gov.au.
What training is planned for the next 12 months?
Training courses on some of the state-wide databases are developed annually and delivered by NSW.net at the State Library and at regional locations for metropolitan and country public library staff. To find out about scheduled training, check out our Events and Calendar pages.
I am interested in upgrading my Internet service. Can NSW.net help me?
Yes. NSW.net can provide you with pricing for a wide range of subsidised Internet services through our four partner ISP’s (Verizon Business, Soul Australia, PACNET and AAPT). As all site requirements are unique, prices are on application so please contact NSW.net for an obligation free quote.
What is the difference between the NSW.net State-wide licensed databases and the State Library of New South Wales eResource collections?
The NSW.net State-wide licensed databases can be utilised by NSW public library staff for reference service purposes and by their respective library members within the library or from home.
The licence agreement for the State Library of New South Wales eResources enables remote access by registered users of the State Library of New South Wales, 24/7, at their usual computers in their homes, schools or in public libraries. The resources have not been licensed for use by NSW public library staff in providing services to their clients. To do so would be a breach of the terms and conditions of the license agreements.