The State Library provides Iowa libraries access to a variety of online resources to enhance information access for their patrons. From journal articles, career services, and auto repair information, to language learning and even ebook and audiobook downloads, libraries can provide high quality resources to their communities at an incredible value.
The Online Resources Package is a suite of information resources that the State Library cost shares with Iowa libraries that choose to participate. The package includes access to:
- Gale- Package of databases covering a full range of academic and general-interest topics.
- Chilton Library- Authoritative automotive repair covering the most popular vehicles of the past 30 years.
- Credo Reference- Combining authoritative reference content with a one-stop exploratory search platform.
- Transparent Language- Complete language-learning system with flexible learning paths to over 100 languages.
Brainfuse is the online resource provider for career services, test prep, and software tutorials for Iowa libraries and Iowa Work Centers. From academic tutoring to career coaching, Brainfuseoffers innovative services designed to meet patron needs. The State Library provides Brainfuse at no cost to Iowa libraries and Work Centers through a state appropriation from Iowa Workforce Development.
Bridges is the eBook, audiobook, and streaming video buying consortium for Iowa public libraries. The State Library facilitates the program and manages the contract on behalf of the participating libraries. Libraries that participate in Bridges pay an annual fee based on a formula to the State Library that covers the Overdrive platform fee, materials budget, and the purchase of MARC records.
Foundation Directory Online is a research tool to help libraries and nonprofits find the grantmakers most likely to fund their projects. This tool includes grantmaker profiles that provide a powerful summary overview of the funder's work along with all the pertinent details fundraisers need to find and approach great prospects. The directory can be used by public libraries themselves and also offered as a resource in the library to patrons and local nonprofits.
The H.W. Wilson Core Collection Online is designed for acquisitions librarians, reference librarians and catalogers. This database is a reliable guide to building and maintaining a well-rounded collection of the most highly recommended reference, non-fiction and fiction books. The State Library is providing Iowa public libraries access to the Children's Core Collection and Fiction Core Collection at no cost.
Opposing Viewpoints from Gale is the premier online resource covering today's hottest social issues. This cross-curricular research database supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. All Iowa public and academic libraries have access to Opposing Viewpoints at no cost from the State Library.