Databases

Since summer 2024, the Illinois State Library has offered a free package of EBSCO databases for everyone in Illinois to access. This package, previously known as the Statewide Database Package, is now named IRIS: Illinois Reliable Information Sources and can be found here:

https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/iris.html

IRIS FAQ

What is IRIS?

• The free statewide database package from the Illinois State Library offered through the vendor EBSCO for everyone in Illinois to use and access reliable information online.

What is the cost?

• Free for anyone located in the State of Illinois.

How to access the databases? 

•  https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/iris.html

What is included?

• Free access to thousands of full-text magazines, journals, newspapers, ebooks, tutorials, images, exam prep materials, and more.

• Many of the journals are peer-reviewed, most resources are full-text, and there are no ads or paywalls.

• Topics include: science, car mechanics, health, test prep materials for high school and college exams, non-fiction ebooks, legal information, resources for small businesses, and more.

Who has access to these resources?

• Everyone in Illinois.