The Electronic Reference Library (ERL) is a new database service being offered by the Library and CIS. This successor to the Electronic Library (Elibrary) is a product of SilverPlatter Information, Inc. and allows searching using client software which resides on the user's workstation and is networked via TCP/IP.
ERL, which is partially supported by the Library and CIS, is currently under development and will be phased in during the next six months. Initially the service will feature two clients: WinSPIRS v.1.01 (Windows) and MacSPIRS v. 212 (Mac); and seven databases: EconLit, ERIC, Math/Sci, Medline Express, MLA, PsycLit, and Sociofile. The latest versions of these databases will reside in the ERL, while older ones will stay on Elibrary until the end of the academic year.
ERL databases are still available on the shared workstations in both the Rockefeller and Sciences libraries. In order to use ERL from your own desktop, you must obtain the client for your workstation. WinSPIRS and MacSPIRS are now available on the Applications server. Please refer to the "getinfo" (WinSPIRS') or "about" (MacSPIRS) files for details on system requirements and installation instructions. DOS users without Windows may obtain the software by contacting Raynna_Bowlby@Brown.edu or x3181. Access via anonymous login is restricted by license to the Brown IP domain, and is solely for the use of current Brown University faculty, students, and staff.
For assistance with loading client software and connectivity problems, contact your Departmental Computing Coordinator (DCC) or the CIS Student Consultants at x7HLP. For assistance with searching databases, and the use of the client software, contact a Reference Desk at x2167 (Rock) or x3333 (Sciences).