First-ever statewide digital library resource program available in Illinois

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced a landmark investment to expand access to information and educational resources statewide by awarding a first-of-its-kind contract for a comprehensive digital library resource program.

Through their local library, or through the Illinois State Library’s website, every Illinois resident now has free access to a vast collection of trusted online resources, including e-books, journals, magazines, newspapers and research databases. Content is provided through an annual contract with EBSCO Information Services.

The initiative represents a major step toward closing the digital divide by ensuring residents have equal access to high-quality information regardless of where they live or the financial resources available in their local communities.

“Access to reliable information should not depend on a person’s ZIP code or the financial resources of their local library,” Giannoulias said. “This investment will ensure every Illinois resident has access to educational, professional and personal enrichment resources while helping libraries stretch limited budgets and better serve their communities.”

This marks the first time the Illinois State Library has procured a comprehensive statewide collection of full-text databases on behalf of libraries across Illinois. The program addresses longstanding disparities in access to digital resources caused by differences in local library funding. Every public, school, academic, and special library can access the databases free of charge. The initiative provides access to important library resources to the 1 million Illinoisans that do not live in a public library service area.

“Due to rising personnel costs, building maintenance and general programming costs, budget decisions for libraries get tougher each year as we decide which resources to purchase that will best serve the needs of our community,” said Amy Byers, library director for Chatham Public Library and former president of the Illinois Library Association. “This statewide database will have a profound impact on libraries. It will help us expand services and continue to provide great resources to our patrons without having to weigh the option of having good, quality online resources.”

Libraries that already subscribe to digital resources will be able to redirect local funding toward additional services, programming and community needs.

The new statewide resource package provides access to more than 50 online databases supporting education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Resources include:

• Pre-K through 12 educational materials
• Undergraduate academic research resources
• Health and wellness information
• Business and entrepreneurship tools
• Automotive Repair Manuals
• Reference e-books
• Test preparation, certification, career readiness and workforce development resources

One collection alone provides access to thousands of e-books covering subjects such as history, biography, finance, literature, education, cooking, politics, travel, technology, science, health and self-improvement.

The program is especially significant for Illinois students and educators. Resources are available through school and academic libraries, helping students access reliable information and research tools regardless of their school’s budget.

The investment will help address a critical gap in access to digital resources. In 2023, 51 percent of Illinois public libraries reported they did not offer an online database subscription.

Illinois residents interested in accessing the new e-resources should contact their local library or access them online through the Illinois Reliable Information Sources. Libraries and schools that have not yet established access should contact the Illinois State Library at ISLServices@ilsos.gov or 800-665-5576 (ext. 2).