(WAND) – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced the expansion of 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 online resources, including e-books, journals, magazines, newspapers and research databases. Content is provided through an annual contract with EBSCO Information Services.

“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.”

Every public, school, academic, and special library can access the databases free of charge. 

“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.

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