Aug. 31, 2006

The Library of Michigan and Department of History, Arts and Libraries are proud to announce the Michigan eLibrary (MeL, at http://mel.org) has received a 2006 Digital Government Achievement Award from the California-based Center for Digital Government. 

MeL.org earned top ranking in the  "government-to-citizen" category as part of the Center's annual "Best of the Web" and Digital Government Achievement Awards competition.  In addition, the State of Michigan's official Web portal, www.michigan.gov, was ranked number one in the nation in the state portal category.

The Digital Government Achievement Award is a national program, administered by the Center for Digital Government, that recognizes outstanding agency and department Web sites and applications that enhance information interactions, transactions and/or services.  The categories include government-to-government, government-to-business, government-to-citizen and government internal.

"This award is a tribute to everyone who has worked to bring the excellent information resources of the Michigan eLibrary to the people of Michigan," said Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director Dr. William Anderson.  "Government – at the local, regional or state level – should be about serving the public as well and as smartly as we possibly can.  The Michigan eLibrary is a model for maximizing return on investment."

The Michigan eLibrary is a collection of continually updated information resources designed to anticipate and meet the information needs of Michigan residents.  It includes:

• A collection of librarian-recommend resources arranged by subject with special emphasis on Michigan information, including employment and economic development;
• More than 50 subscription-only databases containing full-text magazine and newspaper articles; e-books, encyclopedias and more;
• A statewide catalog of millions of unique titles (books, books on tape and CD, books in large print, DVDs, magazines, music and more) available for speedy local delivery from a growing number of participating libraries;
• Tutorials and practice exams for standardized tests like the ACT, SAT and GED, online skills-improvement courses, and many career exams;
• Business resources to help residents find jobs or start new ventures; and
• Health information about medical conditions, treatments and alternative medicine.

"Our 2006 awards showcase the best state and local government Web sites and on-line applications in the nation," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government.  "These winners set the mark for delivering innovative, efficient and effective government services to all of their many constituencies."

"I want to sincerely thank the staff, partners and vendors who have contributed so much to the success and evolution of the Michigan eLibrary," said State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson.  "MeL continues to be a collaboration in every sense, and it's because of our shared mission – equitable access to quality information for every resident – that MeL is the full-service resource it is today."

Robertson said the Michigan eLibrary is efficient and innovative in many ways, from its statewide common search engine to the one-stop-shopping approach that gives users easy access to the full range of MeL components.

"Michigan residents – students, business owners, teachers, government leaders, researchers and hobbyists – can use the Michigan eLibrary any time of the day or night, for any research need, and be assured of getting excellent results, often from resources that can't be found anywhere except through MeL," said Robertson.  "To any Michigan resident who has not yet explored MeL, I invite you to try it out – today."

Funding for MeL is provided in part by the state of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.  Additional project support comes from the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  The Library of Michigan promotes, advocates and consistently works to achieve the highest level of library service to the State of Michigan, its government, its libraries and its residents.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Michigan Historical Center, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).