📢 MeL Minute:

Great News for Michigan Libraries: Core e-Resources Renewed for FY27!

We are thrilled to announce that the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has officially renewed contracts with our major database vendors for FY 2027. This continuation of services will allow public libraries, K–12 schools, academic institutions, and all Michigan residents to retain 24/7 access to millions of high-quality, vetted online tools, articles, eBooks, and reference materials.

Whether your patrons are starting a business, conducting academic research, or helping young learners take their first steps in literacy, MeL continues to offer robust resources at no cost to local communities.

📚 Featured Vendor Highlights & Descriptions

1. AtoZdatabases

• Best For: Business research, job seekers, and consumer directory searches.
• Overview: Premier directory and marketing database offering access to details on over 30 million businesses and executives, 220 million U.S. residents, healthcare professionals, and millions of real-time job listings. An invaluable tool for local entrepreneurs, sales outreach, and career development.

2. EBSCO

• Best For: General reference, student research, advanced learning, fiction recommendations, career and workforce development, and e-books.
• Overview: Houses popular resources including several Research Materials (academic journals, consumer guides, and reference books), Explora (user-friendly research portals for elementary, middle, high school students, and educators), Learning Express Library (test preparation materials, career resources, homework support, and skill building tutorials), NoveList Plus (reading recommendations and series guides), and EBSCO eBooks (spanning all genres of fiction and non-fiction).

3. Gale

• Best For: In-depth academic research, subject-specific eBooks, and current events.
• Overview: Provides access to Opposing Viewpoints (research database examining controversial topics, current events, and complex social issues), National Geographic Virtual Library (complete archive), and full-text magazines, newspapers, academic journals, e-books, and primary sources tailored for lifelong learners and researchers.

4. PebbleGo

• Best For: PreK–3 early literacy and foundational learning.
• Overview: An award-winning, highly visual research database designed specifically for emerging readers. Features audio read-aloud support, videos, and beginner-friendly modules covering animals and social studies.

5. Britannica (Britannica School & Fundamentals)

• Best For: Interactive encyclopedia research and differentiated learning across grade levels.
• Overview: Offers age-appropriate, trustworthy encyclopedic content with adjustable reading levels (including dyslexia support), interactive games, media galleries, and curriculum-aligned instructional tools for PreK through high school educators.

6. World Book

• Best For: Interactive discovery, elementary research projects, and STEM activities.
• Overview: Features engaging suites like World Book Kids and World Book Early Learning, offering easy-to-read articles, hands-on science experiments, illustrations, maps, and teacher resources built to spark curiosity in young scholars.

💡 What This Means for Your Library

• Uninterrupted Access: No changes to your direct links, web buttons, or patron workflows.
• Promotional Materials: You can continue using the standard promotional flyers, logos, and materials currently available on MeL.org to share these resources with your community. Updated materials will be coming soon.
• Training & Webinars: Stay tuned for upcoming vendor-led training sessions throughout the coming months to help your staff get the most out of these renewed platforms.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to sharing MeL e-resources with your communities!

Questions or technical issues? Reach out to the MeL eResource Support Team at melerhelp@mcls.org. Funding for MeL is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

Barbara Williams, MLIS

Library Development Analyst (MDE)

Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48909

WilliamsB39@michigan.gov I (517) 241-2149

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