Commercialising a database: the HSELINE experience

Much is written on databases, computers, users and information to be found therein, but little (or nothing) on getting a database onto a system commercially. Once a bibliographic database is running well inside an organisation thought should be given to exploiting it and making it available for outside organisations to use. HSELINE is an example. Potential producers are taken through the stages of deciding which system to mount the database on, target audiences, special national or international needs, meeting legal obligations, negotiations with the host system covering royalties, SDI (selective dissemination of information) payments and offline print charges. When all negotiations are completed then the publicity machinery comes in. How to arrange a press launch, press releases and publicity brochures, and further publicity suggestions — exhibition stands, talks, demonstrations and training courses are also covered.