Last month, the Delaware Division of Libraries celebrated the launch of the Delaware Library Catalog, a new resource that provides online access to collections at 28 public libraries in Delaware.

Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner, Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor, and State Librarian Annie Norman spoke at the launch event, which was attended by more than 100 community and business leaders, librarians, library staff members, and volunteers.

“The Delaware Division of Libraries is devoted to improving library access statewide. The new Delaware Library Catalog reflects the wonderful spirit of collaboration between all of our Kent and Sussex County libraries, and provides Delawareans with an excellent resource that is at their fingertips whenever they turn on their computers,” said Norman.

Easily accessed at www.lib.de.us, the new SirsiDynix catalog features the collections of all public libraries in Kent and Sussex Counties. It also includes four Delaware Technical and Community College libraries, Wesley College Library, Delaware Public Archives, and additional resources made available through the Delaware Division of Libraries.

Library patrons will enjoy the new catalog’s user-friendly approach to searching and reserving books and other materials online. Participating libraries are issuing the new Delaware Library Card, which can be used at any of the 28 libraries included in the catalog.

According to Vincent Alascia, administrative librarian at DDL, the new catalog will serve as the perfect entry point to the World Wide Web. Delawareans can use it to find resources and materials at local libraries, while also linking to other online resources and gaining free access to content that they would have to pay for at other Web sites.

“The new Delaware Library Catalog makes libraries more relevant to the Internet, rather than trying to compete with it,” said Alascia.