Minitex is committed to helping its libraries create a digital information environment that offers the citizens of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota access to resources that enhance education, research, economic development, and overall quality of life. Minitex's statewide database program serves the full spectrum of library users – from students in K-12 schools, to learners in post-secondary institutions, to lifelong learners in public and special libraries. The collection supports the diverse educational services offered by all types of libraries, and supports our diverse communities. A statewide collection ensures equity of access to information in communities no matter geography or economic status. In Minnesota, the statewide database program is known as eLibrary Minnesota, or ELM, and is funded through a legislative appropriation.
Selection Process
The Shared E-Resources (SER) Task Force represents libraries of all types from across the Minitex region. The Task Force advises Minitex and its funding partners in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the selection of statewide e-resources. Task Force members help to craft Request for Proposal (RFP) language to assess resources, review RFP responses, and recommend resources.
Selection Criteria
Resources selected for inclusion in the statewide database collection:
- Provide multidisciplinary database products that include full-text from journals, magazines, other periodicals, news sources, books, web content, and/or video, images, media, and content in other formats.
- Provide coverage of academic disciplines including humanities, social sciences, natural & applied sciences, business, computers & information technology, medicine & health, and general interest.
- Provide content appropriate for pre-school through 12th grade students, higher education audiences, researchers, and adult learners.
- Provide specialized coverage of education, consumer health, clinical medicine, business, current events, material in languages other than English (including Spanish), and job and career resources.
- Provide online reference resources.
Access Statement
Minitex upholds the freedom to read as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, and the Freedom to View Statement adopted by the American Library Association. While anyone is free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, the freedom of others to read or inquire is not restricted. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to guide and direct the reading, listening, and viewing choices of their own minor children.
Feedback on Statewide Database Program
Please share any feedback on ELM via our contact form.
Approved by the Minitex Policy Advisory Council on 12/6/2019.
