Oct. 31, 2008

To help Michigan voters rest assured that they are armed with the best information when heading to the booth Nov. 4, the Library of Michigan has added a special "Election 2008" section to its Michigan eLibrary (MeL, at www.mel.org), the virtual library that's available to Michigan residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The Michigan eLibrary has a growing reputation as a credible, one-stop-shopping location for the best information on the Web," said State Librarian Nancy R. Robertson. "There are so many competing sites and information resources available to today's Internet surfer that it can be difficult to decipher what is legitimate and what is not. With the Michigan eLibrary, information seekers can trust they're getting only top-quality, professionally vetted Web sites and resources, and that's especially true of MeL's 'Election 2008' section."

Robertson explained that in MeL's "Election 2008" visitors will find information on and links to:

• Where and how to vote
• How the voting process works
• Campaign finance and lobbying disclosure
• Sites for all represented political parties
• Candidates' biographical data, speeches and positions on key issues
• Nonpartisan voting information and fact-checking sites
• Wording on statewide ballot proposals

Michigan eLibrary Coordinator Deb Biggs Thomas said "Election 2008" is just one example of the MeL.org team's efforts to refine and enhance the Web visitor's experience. Earlier this year, she explained, MeL underwent an entire streamlining process, with the development of new subject gateways; a tighter focus on information sections of greatest user interest; and the introduction of a cleaner and more user-friendly home page.

"We are doing our best to bring the most topical and valuable information resources to the people of Michigan. In addition to MeL.org's featured election options, other popular 'gateways' include business and careers, books and reading, health and wellness, kids, teens and reference desk," said Biggs Thomas.

In addition to the gateways, Biggs Thomas said the Michigan eLibrary includes:

• MeL Databases - a collection of full-text articles from magazines and newspapers, offering access to current reference sources and advanced search functions;
• MeLCat - a place to find and order books, audiobooks, music, movies and other materials and have them delivered to a participating library;
• MeL Michigana - a place to explore Michigan's heritage through photographs, diaries, oral histories, local records and other historical data;
• Featured Resources - a collection of recommended links on a variety of subjects, special topics, and other MeL services; and
• Michigan Online Resources for Educations (MORE) - a collection of lesson plans and curriculum aids, searchable by subject or state standard.

State Librarian Robertson stressed that MeL.org - an information-rich hub of quality resources that's free to Michigan residents - is a value in every sense of the word. "If every library in the state were to pay individually for the same set of resources found in MeL, the price tag would be more than $72 million," Robertson said. "In today economy and with many residents searching for career and business information, the Michigan eLibrary's value is both in its content and ease of use, as well as its return on investment for the people of Michigan."

Funding for MeL is provided through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by the Library of Michigan.

The Library of Michigan promotes, advocates and consistently works to achieve the highest level of library service to the State of Michigan, its government, its libraries and its residents.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).