What is the MA Statewide Database program?
Answer
The statewide databases provide all who live, work and learn in Massachusetts with access to a wide array of resources at an incredible savings. Historically, funding for the program is provided by the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and federal LSTA funding administered by MBLC. Beginning in July 2025, the statewide databases are funded by MBLC and MLS.
The statewide databases includes magazines, newspapers, journals, and more from providers Capstone, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Gale. MLS and MBLC share costs for the program and provide support to more than 1,500 MLS member libraries statewide. These services are also made available on the consumer portal, https://libraries.state.ma.us/.