Many users of the library, even longtime users, are not aware of the powerful resources that are available through the library’s website. A powerful database, known as Maine’s Virtual Library, or MARVEL, is available to all Maine residents, and is funded through the Maine State Legislature in participation with the Maine State Library and University of Maine, Colby, Bates, Bowdoin Colleges, the Public Utilities Commission, and MTEAF (Maine Telecommunications Educational Access Fund).

The savings provided to Maine schools and libraries by this collaboration is huge. The cost to each school and library in the state would be over $700,000 if the resources included in MARVEL were purchased independently.

What’s available in MARVEL? Lots! And unlike some of the freely available information found on the Internet, MARVEL resources are always reliable. This is particularly important for student research. There is so much information available it’s beyond the scope of this column to cover, but here’s just a small glimpse of what you can find: articles from hundreds of local, national and international newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the Portland Press Herald; book review sources such as the New York Review of Books; Ancestry.com (available from within the library only); investment aid ValueLine; and NoveList, a source to help you find just the right book to read next.

One resource that is worth mentioning at length is LearningExpress Library. As stated in its literature, “LearningExpress Library is an interactive online learning platform featuring over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and e-books related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math, for all ages. You"ll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results. In addition, you will find interactive popular software tutorials/courses that are video-based and allow you to learn at your own pace.” What a great tool for those looking to improve their skill set and job search.

The easiest way to access MARVEL from home is through the library’s website. From our homepage (www.bmpl.lib.me.us) simply click on the “Online Resources” tab at the top of the page, and then choose MARVEL from the options provided. Once there, there are two ways to access the database, either by entering your name and library card number (remember to precede the number with the letters bbh), or by registering, using an ID and password. Once either access method is chosen, you’re off to the races.

So, whether in the library or from the comfort of your own home, check out this fantastic resource and you’ll be amazed at what you have access to as a result of this far-sighted Maine collaboration. Hope to see you soon at the newly renovated library.