Due to changes in federal funding of libraries through the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has announced changes and cuts to state-funded databases and services. The changes are effective July 1, 2025.
The databases, services, and collections purchased directly by the Topsfield Town Library are not impacted by these changes and cuts.
State-Funded Databases and Services: An Quick Overview
The databases provide research and information across a wide range of topics to all Massachusetts residents. Last year, there were 9 million full text downloads, a 12% increase from the previous year. Sixty percent (60%) of database usage comes from Massachusetts schools. Please see list below for continued and discontinued databases.
The services include statewide resource sharing, grant allocation, professional development, and the Libby ebook platform. Massachusetts residents borrowed close to two million ebooks and eaudiobooks last year, a 19% increase from the previous year. Please see list below for continued and discontinued services.
For more information on the MBLC and IMLS, please see additional information at the bottom of this post.
Statewide Services/Databases to be Continued in FY26:
• Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat)
• Library ebooks and audiobooks (LEA) which includes the Libby ebook platform
• Britannica Escolar
• Britannica Library
• Britannica School
• Gale Academic OneFile + OneFile Collections
• Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints
• PebbleGo
Statewide Services/Databases to be Discontinued in FY26:
• Boston Globe Article Archive
• Britannica Moderna
• Gale Academic OneFile Select
• Gale General OneFile
• Gale Health and Wellness
• Gale in Context: Biography
• Gale in Context: Elementary
• Gale in Context: Environmental Studies
• Gale in Context: Global Issues
• Gale in Context: Middle School
• Gale in Context: Science
• Gale in Context: US History
• Gale in Context: World History
• Gale Interactive Science
• Gale LegalForms
• Gale Literature Resource Center
• HeritageQuest Online
• Peterson’s Career Prep
• Peterson’s Test Prep
• Science Database (ProQuest)
• Transparent Language Online
• Explore Grants that had been awarded to 18 libraries in Massachusetts
• Twelve Perkins Accessibility training sessions
• Access to training and continuing education for library directors, staff, Trustees, Friends, and foundations through memberships with United for Libraries, Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends, and Foundations, and WebJunction Library Place for Libraries
• Grant for Department of Corrections and County Jails libraries
What is the MBLC?
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.
What is/was IMLS?
The IMLS is/was the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries. The IMLS allocated $3.6 million to the MBLC to support statewide library services and grants to local libraries, including school libraries.
Press Releases from the MBLC:
Federal Uncertainty Causes Cuts, April 3, 2025: https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2025/nr250403.php
MBLC Maintains some Databases, Support for eBooks, and ComCat, May 20, 2025: https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2025/nr250520.php
