Statewide licensing of online databases is the result of collaboration among the Maine State Library, the University of Maine System and the Maine Technical College System to negotiate licenses with database vendors on behalf of all the school, public, and academic libraries in Maine. Not only do all Maine libraries have free online access to these databases, but also all citizens throughout the state can freely access these databases from their home computers. The cost of statewide licenses is much lower per library than if each library purchased its own license. Statewide licensing establishes equality of access for all students throughout Maine. If a student or citizen is looking for product information or current news articles, Consumer Reports , Time , Newsweek and U.S .
Information is a vital part of education at any grade or educational level.
Maine students need and deserve accurate and current information to make the most of their education. Online databases put excellent appropriate information right on the desktops of school, library and home computers in a way that has never been possible before. Through statewide licensing of online databases, every student in every school urban or rural, wealthy or poor has access to the same current, quality information to complete homework and research assignments. Through remote access any citizen can access the databases for free, at home on their own computer. And access through public libraries enables students without home computers to use these information resources after regular school hours.