A list of recommended free resources and a checklist that SWAN member libraries may add to their website to share with patrons. Developed by the E-Resource Working Group.
Resources listed here were last updated 10/2023. The list of resources are merely recommendations and some or all may be added to a library website. The resources listed should be identified as free and not be listed alongside any paid library databases or subscriptions. SWAN will maintain this list and with the recommendation of E-Resource Working Group, be reviewed and may be updated on an annual basis.
Category |
Name of Database |
URL |
Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Employment |
Illinois workNet Center |
To expand economic opportunity, the Illinois workNet Portal and Program utilizes partnerships and technology to expand seamless and real-time access to workforce development resources aimed at individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners. |
|
Genealogy |
Illinois Statewide Death Index (1916-1972) | Part of the Illinois Statewide Vital Records Databases |
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/databases/idphdeathindex.html |
The database provides listings of death certificates filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health between 1916-1972. |
Genealogy |
Find a Grave |
Details about cemetaries and individual memorials for many people buried in those cemeteries. Memorials generally include birth, death and burial information and may include pictures, biographies, family information and more. |
|
Genealogy |
Cyndi's List |
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet is a categorized and cross-referenced list of links for genealogical research. |
|
Genealogy |
Family Search |
FamilySearch resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members. |
|
Government |
National Archives |
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. |
|
Government |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. BLS collects, calculates, analyzes, and publishes data essential to the public, employers, researchers, and government organizations. |
|
Government |
USAgov |
The mission of the USAGov program is to make it easier for people to find and understand the government services and information they need-anytime, anywhere, any way they want. |
|
Kids |
Room to Read |
https://literacycloud.org/stories?language=English&sort=Relevance |
Room to Read's Literacy Program supports literacy development for primary school students. The organization works with local authors and illustrators to create and distribute children's books. Brought to you on an online learning platform called Literacy Cloud. |
Kids |
Science Crash Course Kids |
New channel from the creators of Crash Course. Bi-weekly show geared towards gradeschool science. Series begins with 5th grade science. |
|
Local History |
Explore Chicago Collections |
Explore Chicago Collections provides access to both Chicago-related digitized images and collection descriptions related to the Chicago area provided by the Chicago Collections Consortiums member institutions. |
|
Technology |
Digital Learn |
Thanks to Gail Borden Public Library and the Public Library Association, the DigitalLearn website is now a "one-stop shop" for computer and technology training. Intended to help learners find and use online training, provide individual instruction, teach a class, this site has a growing collection of topics and tools to help. |
|
Technology |
GCF Global |
GCFGlobal.org offers more than 300 topics, including more than 6,000 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactive and games, completely free. |
The checklist below can be used to regularly evaluate and maintain links to open access resources. There are two available formats, docx and pdf.