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 materials.
The State Library's collection is particularly 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 Employees
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 also contains:
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Online Databases - 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 State 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 published materials, regardless of format, issued for general distribution, which documents state agency-related 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 databases.
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 the State 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 Materials
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 missing something?
If there is something you'd like to see in our collection, let us know using our
Materials Suggestion form.
Questions?
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.