The Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library (ISL) are excited to share more details about the statewide e-resource package.
In June, it was announced that the contract was finalized with EBSCO to provide a suite of resources available to all Illinois communities at no charge. A full list of the EBSCO resources is attached. Below are directions on how to start using these EBSCO e-resources.
What you can do:
Please add links to these resources on your library’s website, have your staff explore them, and use these resources to help your patrons.
How to get access:
- Existing and past EBSCO customers: will see the statewide e-resources in your EBSCOadmin account. EBSCO created a tutorial for creating links for your library. You can also contact EBSCO’s Customer Support by calling (800) 758-5995 or by submitting a form/creating a case in EBSCO Connect.
- Libraries new to EBSCO services with the ability to make changes to their website should reach out to EBSCO’s Customer Support by calling (800) 758-5995 to get added to the Illinois State Library package. Once added, EBSCO can send you direct links.
- Libraries that don’t have a website or rely solely on Facebook for their web presence should contact Suzanna Jones (see below).
What’s in the statewide e-resources package:
A wide range of databases covering topics from car repair to legal resources, from health information to peer reviewed articles for academic research, from home improvement information to study materials for college entrance exams. A list and brief description of all the databases is attached.
Why this is so exciting:
The Secretary of State and Illinois State Library have never offered such an extensive database package. Everyone in Illinois should be able to access these reliable resources (if there are any issues contact the ISL or EBSCO). Libraries already using e-resources will be able to allocate those funds to support other programming or initiatives for their communities. Libraries who previously did not offer e-resources can now offer their patrons access to quality information without impacting their budgets.
Who to contact:
For questions about the statewide e-resource program, contact ISL Library Program Specialist Suzanna Jones, sjones@ilsos.gov, or by phone, 217.785.7334.