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Resources for Libraries

    

Free Tools and Other Resources

The World Wide Web is home to a wide world of tools that can make librarians' jobs easier. Use the filters below to find free tools to aid in collection development, marketing, and more!

NOTE: The information provided here is for the convenience of IHLS members. New tools and additional resources are added periodically.


LGBTQ+ College Choice Guide via Intelligent.com

Choosing the right school is vital for every college-bound student, but it can be more challenging for those who identify as LGBTQ+. In addition to the many obstacles that all students face, it is…

Library of Congress Digital Collections

The Digital Collections page provides free access to historical collections.

Library Return on Community Investment (ROI) Infographic Template

IHLS has been working on a new advocacy tool for members: a customizable infographic for our public libraries! This tool will help you share the library’s value at a glance, communicating the…

LibraryReads

LibraryReads is an excellent readers’ advisory tool. It is a monthly nationwide library staff picks list for adult fiction and non-fiction. Their goal is to help connect librarians’ favorite…

LibraryThing

LibraryThing is “book-geekery,” a site where you can create an easy, library-quality catalog for your personal library, using Amazon, the Library of Congress, and 2231 other libraries. With a…

LibriVox

LibriVox has public domain audiobooks that have been read by volunteers.

Literature Network

The Literature Network provides online literature, books by famous authors, author biographies, and literature quotes.

Little Free Library

The Little Free Library is a movement intended to increase book access and forge community connections by helping people around the globe start and maintain Little Free Library book exchanges.…

Manybooks

Manybooks provides 29,000 free ebooks.

Medline Plus

  Are you looking for resources to combat health disinformation? Medline Plus offers information for librarians.  

Merlot

Merlot has over 5,000 courses that are all free. I recommend using the search area of the website to narrow down the topic of interest and exploring from there. 

Microsoft Office Training Center

Microsoft Office Training Center gives access to trainings on all Microsoft products, such as Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint. They highlight their newest offerings so you can always see the…

Microsoft Virtual Academy

Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) training courses are delivered by experts. Some learning paths help you earn MVA badges.

Money Smart Week

Money Smart Week began as a coordinated effort of the Money Smart Advisory Council, a diverse group of more than 40 Chicago-area organizations working together to promote personal financial…

National Voter Registration Day

  National Voter Registration Day is a national holiday celebrating our democracy. It was first observed in 2012 and has been growing in popularity every year since. Held on…