State Library of Louisiana

Online Databases
Louisiana Library Connection 

Established in 1998, the Louisiana Library Connection databases are a collection of online subscription databases that are provided to the people of Louisiana by the State Library. The databases are chosen to cover the widest range of informational needs, providing educational and research materials for the elementary, high school and college student well into the undergraduate and graduate levels. The databases also include many prestigious academic journals for the research professional. Crucial and strategic information is likewise included for the small business owner and the consumer.

The vast majority of these databases are available for remote use and the user can login from anywhere. These databases are provided free of charge to all public library users in the state of Louisiana. All that is required for access is a current public library or state library card.

These databases allow users to connect from home, work or from within the library. While these databases are accessible from the Internet, the information contained within them is collected and maintained by respected companies; therefore, the quality and accuracy of the information is very high. The Louisiana Library Connection databases are the first stop for the discriminating information consumer. You should always use these databases as a first resort while doing any research before attempting a search on the Internet.

This service is a cooperative effort funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Service, and state and local funding.

Statewide Impact
Electronic database usage increased dramatically from 2007-08 to 2008-09. Centralized licensing and management of the virtual library databases represents a high return on investment. If each individual library tried to purchase and manage a virtual library on its own, it is estimated it would cost $10,000,000 across the state, representing a 10 to 1 return on investment.