Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Collections

​​​​​​​​​The State Library is dedicated to meeting the informational and training needs of Kentucky's state government employees. Materials in the State Library are selected to support state employees' work and the professional development of Kentucky public library staff. While Kentucky state employees may check out items through the KDLA WorldCat Discovery Catalog, others are encouraged to use their local public libraries interlibrary loan services to request State Library mat​erials.

​The State Library's collection is particular​​​ly strong in the areas of:

  • Computer software applications
  • Business and personnel management
  • Employee training
  • Health and wellness
  • Library and information science
  • Kentucky history, geography and biography
  • Kentucky literature
  • Audiobooks

How many items can I check out from ​​the State Library? How long may I keep State Library materials?

State Empl​​oyees

MaterialMaximum LoanedLoan PeriodRenewals *

Books

10

4 weeks

Yes

​Large Print Books​5​4 weeks​Yes

Audiobooks

10

4 weeks

Yes

Videos, DVDs, Computer Training CDs

5​

1 week

Yes

* The first renewal request may be done online through the KDLA WorldCat Discovery. Renewals are only possible if no one else is waiting for the item. Additional renewals may be available. Contact KDLA Ask a ​Librarian about additional renewals or the Reference desk at 502.564.8306.


The State Library collection al​so contains:

  • Online Dat​abases - Licensed databases provided free of charge​​​​ exclusively to state government employees. ​​
  • Digital Audiobooks and Ebooks​ - State government employees can download digital audiobooks and ebooks in partnership with Kentucky Libraries Unbound. This part of the St​​​ate Library's collection can be accessed 24/7 using a computer and a valid State Library account number. Downloaded audiobooks, ebooks and more can be listened to or viewed on a computer or transferred to a portable device.
  • Kentucky Files - ​A​ collection of newspaper and magazine articles, and other assorted materials about Kentucky-related subjects, including Kentucky biography.​
  • Kentucky State Publications - A collection of pu​blished materials, regardless of format, issued for general distribution, which documents state agency-relate​d functions or activities. ​
  • Newspapers ​​- The State Library has the Kentucky State Journal (Frankfort; 2011- ) on location for patron use. State government employees also have access to major U. S. and Kentucky newspapers such as the Lexington Herald Leader through the online research da​tabases.

Please note: The following are available on microfilm and may be viewed in the Archives Research Room:

  • Courier-Journal 1868-2012
  • Kentucky State Journal 1910-2012
  • Lexington Herald Leader 1927-2009​
​​​

Borrowing Items from t​​he Sta​te Library

In order to check out items, state government employees must have a State Library account.

The KDLA Catalog provides listings and descriptions of most of the library's holdings and is available from any Internet accessible computer. You can place holds, check on the status of your requests, or renew your books from your office or home computer. The State Library's staff can help you find additional resources if you can't find what you are looking for.

State employees can request titles through the "Place Hold" tab in the KDLA Catalog record. Employees who work in Frankfort may have library items delivered by messenger mail. For employees working outside Frankfort, materials will be mailed to their state offices. Return postage is included.


Interlibrary​​​ Loan (ILL)

The State Library provides interlibrary loan​ services to state government employees, enabling them to request work-related books, articles, and other information sources from other libraries.

To request items in the KDLA Catalog not owned by the State Library, state government employees should use the "Request Hold " tab. State Employees can also use the Ask a Librarian service. When using the Ask a Librarian service, please provide as much information as possible including the title and author of books; or author, article and journal title, publication dates and page numbers for articles.

The State Library does its best to meet stated deadlines, but it may not always be possible. Articles are typically sent by email. For books, state government employees in Frankfort may have materials delivered by messenger mail. For employees working outside Frankfort, materials will be mailed to their offices. Return postage is included.

The lending library determines how long an item may be kept. On-time return is essential. Items may be returned to the State Library by messenger mail or UPS.


Overdue Mate​​rials

Library users are notified of overdue materials by email or U.S. mail. After an item is 28 days overdue, a Fine & Fee notice is sent for the replacement costs​. Fines are not charged for overdue days and all charges are removed if the materials are returned in good condition. Non-return or nonpayment for unreturned or damaged materials will result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

​​​​Are we miss​ing something?

If there is something you'd like to see in our collection, let us know using our Materia​ls Suggestion​​ form.​



Questi​ons?

Contact the Reference desk by calling (502) 564-​8306 or (800) 928-7000.

State government employees and public libraries may use the Ask a Librarian​ service to reach the Reference staff by email.​