Collections Overview --

KDLA has various types of collections available to citizens within Kentucky, as well as to those residing outside the commonwealth:

• Circulating
• Non-circulating - for research only
• Special

None of the items in these collections can be accessed online. However, information about item availability can be acquired by using KDLA's Online Catalog, located at http://kdla.kyvl.org and/or contacting the appropriate service associated with the collection.

 

Circulating Collections

Members of the general public can either check out materials on site, or request items from the circulating collections through their local public library's interlibrary loan program.

Kentucky state government workers who have a current KDLA library card can check out materials on site, by phone or fax, or request items using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items will either be sent via state Messenger Mail, or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Librarians whose institutions participate in OCLC GAC can request items using OCLC, ALA forms via U.S. Mail, fax/Ariel (on ALA forms), or by telephone (OCLC or mail follow-up).

Books

The State Library's book collection is primarily non-fiction with emphasis in the following areas: business and management, computer software manuals, self-help and wellness, library science, and Kentucky literature, history and biography.

A maximum of 50 books may be checked out for a period of thirty days. Book check outs may be renewed for two weeks.

Test Study Guides

The State Library has assembled a collection of study guides to help individuals prepare for the tests required for government jobs, GED programs, and entrance to college.

Up to two test study guides may be checked out for a period of two weeks. Test study guide check outs cannot be renewed.

Government Documents

The State Library has been a selective federal depository for government publications since 1967. The federal documents collection includes a variety of formats (books, microforms, CDs, DVDs, and videos).

A maximum of 50 federal publications may be checked out for a period of thirty days. Federal publication check outs may be renewed for two weeks.

Media

Audiobooks/AudioCDs

The State Library's audiobooks include spoken word recordings on cassettes or CDs. The audiobook collection covers a wide range of material, from unabridged recordings of fiction titles to nonfiction selections in the areas of self-help, language instruction, business and management, history, and biography.

Up to 10 Audiobooks/AudioCDs may be checked out for a period of four weeks. Audiobook/AudioCD check outs may be renewed for two weeks.

BiFolkal Kits

Packaged program designed to bring back memories on a particular time or topic. Every kit has a media presentation (slides or videotape), large print booklets, sing-along tape, activity sheets, pictures, thee-dimensional objects, and a program manual. Mini-kits prompt the same remembering as the full-sized Bi-Folkal kits, but are designed for a shorter program. Mini-kits contain a media presentation and a leader's guide filled with program ideas and discussion topics.

Up to three BiFolkal kits may be checked out for a period of thirty days. BiFolkal kit check outs may be renewed for one week.

Large Print Book Discussion Kits

Multi-format kits that promote reading in senior members of the community, such as senior center groups, assisted living residences, and nursing homes. Each kit is packaged in a sturdy wheeled bag and contains the following: 15 copies of a large print book, an audiobook (either a cassette or CD), and a discussion guide.

Large Print Book Discussion Kits may be checked out for a period of 35 days. Discussion kits check outs may be renewed for two weeks.

Regular Book Discussion Kits

Book discussion kits that promote reading for adult book discussion groups needing regular print materials. Each kit is packaged in either a sturdy plastic container or wheeled bag and contains the following: 15 copies of the book, an audiobook (if available), and a discussion guide.

Regular Book Discussion Kits may be checked out for a period of 35 days. Discussion kits check outs may be renewed for two weeks.

Videos/DVDs/CD-ROMs

Primarily devoted to nonfiction topics, the State Library's video/DVD collection features selections in the areas of computer instruction, health and safety, business, staff training, history and travel, documentaries, how-to's, and children's literature.

Up to 10 videos may be checked out for a period of one week. Video check outs may be renewed for one week.

Youth Book Discussion Kits

Text Express Discussion Kits are complete youth programs designed around high quality books for children and young adults. The kits feature a wide range of literary styles and genres, designed to promote thoughtful discussions. Each kit contains 20 paperback copies of the book and a discussion guide which includes book and author information, discussion questions, an activity guide, and resources for discussion leaders. Selected titles also include audio books.

The kits may be borrowed for six weeks and can be renewed.

 

---

 

Non-Circulating Collections -
Available for On-Site Research or by Records Request Only

Unless special cases are noted (*) , original archival records in the State Archives are non-circulating because the materials are unique and irreplaceable. Microfilmed records also do not circulate.

Members of the general public can view and make copies from any of these collections on site Monday - Friday, 8:00 to 4:00.

You may also request archival records by mail for a small fee using Records Request Forms. Copies of records requested off site will be sent by U.S. Postal Mail.

State Archives Collections

Census Microfilms

The Archives Research Room has several Federal Census Schedules pertaining to Kentucky available for on-site use, including Population Census (1810-1880, 1900-1930), Slave Census (1850, 1860),  Mortality Census (1850-1880), Supplemental Census of “Defective, Dependent and Delinquent Classes” (1880), and 1890 Census of Union Veterans and Widows.

* The State Library has census schedule microfilm from 1790 and 1810-1930 available for interlibrary loan. A maximum of 10 rolls may be checked out for a two-week period. Libraries that participate in OCLC GAC can request items using OCLC, ALA forms via U.S. Mail, fax/Ariel (on ALA forms), or by telephone (OCLC or mail follow-up). Questions about census microfilm and interlibrary loan should be directed to the State Library's Reference staff at (502) 564-8300, ext. 342, or use KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service.

Local (Kentucky) Government Records

The State Archives serves as the official archival repository for many Kentucky local government records, and maintains copies of microfilmed local records from all 120 Kentucky Counties. These records include deeds, marriage records, and wills, among many others.

Military Records

The Archives Research Room has copies of several series of military records, including some federal military records, Kentucky Confederate military records, and Adjutant General's lists.

State (Kentucky) Government Records

The State Archives serves as the official archival repository for Kentucky state government records of permanent value and publications issued by Kentucky state government agencies. These records are stored in KDLA's secure archival facility and are available for public use on site at KDLA.

State (Kentucky) Government Publications

The State Library holds more than 20,000 state publications, including annual reports, newsletters, and minutes, issued by government agencies from 1792 forward. These publications are located in a database which is searchable by agency, title, date or subject.

Search the State Publications Database

* Some microfilmed state publications are available for check out; members of the general public can request these items through their local public library's interlibrary loan program.

 

---

 

Special Collections

Kentucky Files

The Kentucky Files are a collection of newspaper and magazine articles, and other assorted material about Kentucky-related subjects, including Kentucky biography.

Members of the general public can view and make copies of Kentucky File articles in the State Library's Reference area, 8:00 - 4:30 Monday - Friday.

Kentucky state government workers who have a current KDLA library card may request a Kentucky File on site, by phone or fax, or request items using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items requested off site will either be sent via state Messenger Mail, or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Librarians may request a Kentucky File by phone or fax, or request items using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items requested will either be sent via fax or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Please note: A Kentucky File may contain dozens of articles. If using Ask a Librarian to submit a request, please be specific about your subject area, and you will receive articles chosen by library staff that are most relevant to your topic.

Newspapers

The State Library newspaper collection includes major Kentucky and national newspapers. Online databases provide access to additional regional and national newspapers.

Members of the general public may search on site electronic indexes for desired information. Articles may be viewed and/or copied from the microfilm, online or original print version, depending upon the source.

The general public may also request specific articles through their local public library's interlibrary loan program. Please be as specific as possible about your article; include the title of the newspaper, the publication date, and the article's title. Articles requested will be sent to the local public library by email, fax or U.S. Mail.

Kentucky state government workers may conduct their own research on site or ask for research assistance from the State Library’s Reference staff. State government workers who have a current KDLA library card may also request access to the State Library’s electronic databases to conduct research from their personal workstations.

State government workers may request a newspaper article on site, by phone or fax, or by using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items requested by patrons off site will be sent via email, state Messenger Mail, fax, or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Librarians may request a newspaper article by phone, fax, or using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items requested will be sent via email, fax, or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Please note: If using Ask a Librarian to submit a request, please be as specific as possible about the article; include the title of the newspaper, a publication date, and the article's title or subject.

Periodicals (Magazines, Journals, Technical Reports)

The State Library subscribes to a number of academic journals and general interest magazines.

Members of the general public may search on site electronic databases for desired information at the State Library. Articles may be viewed and/or copied from the microfilm, online or original print version, depending upon the source.

The general public may also request specific articles through their local public library's interlibrary loan program. Please be as specific as possible about your article; include the title of the magazine/journal, the publication date, and the article's title. Articles requested will be sent to the local public library by email, fax or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Kentucky state government workers may conduct their own research on site or ask for research assistance from the State Library’s Reference staff. State government workers who have a current KDLA library card may also request access to the State Library’s electronic databases to conduct research from their personal workstations.

State government workers may request a periodical article on site, by phone or fax, or by using KDLA's Ask a Librarian email reference service. Items requested by patrons off site will be sent via email, state Messenger Mail, fax, or by U.S. Postal Mail.

Please note: If using Ask a Librarian to submit a request, please be as specific as possible about your article; include the title of the magazine/journal, a publication date, and the article's title.