List data from a common work book in multiple books.

Is there a way to have multiple work books pulling data from a common workbook on a server with out having both books open?

I have a workbook for each unit and users enter information and apply a tag for each entry from a dropdown list. I would like the list to be a separate workbook so that if I add or edit the list it automatically updates the list on each units workbook. It works great on my machine as long as both books are open but I am hoping there is a way to eliminate the other book from needing to be open.

Thanks