How to Sign Up
Statewide and licensed databases are available to residents of Massachusetts and all Commonwealth libraries that are members of one of the six Massachusetts regional library systems. Academic and K-12 campuses are permitted campus-wide access to the databases at no additional charge. Vendor contracts permit in-library access only for special libraries.
To gain access, please consider joining the Massachusetts Library System. After becoming a member, MLS will ask you to complete a Database Access Registration Form so that they can set your library up for access to the statewide and MLS database offerings. You may download the form here and send it to MLS. Word Version PDF Version
The form provides information pertinent to establishing database connectivity for your institution for statewide and MLS licensed electronic resources. The form requires information regarding your library's Email, web, and IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. Depending on the vendor, authentication may be by geolocation, IP address, or username and password. While statewide licensed products and some MLS products are now being geolocated, IP addresses are an important piece of the authentication of your library's computers for MLS licensed content. Campus-wide IP addresses accepted from K-12 and academic campuses only open up access to the databases from all workstations on a campus where technologically possible. See the instructions regarding valid and invalid IP addresses.After successful processing of your form (please allow about three weeks), MLS will send you a letter of instruction detailing how to access each database.
Changes to a Library's Internet Access
After your library is set up to access statewide and MLS databases, any changes to your Internet setup should be reported to MLS. Examples of such changes include when your institution has changed or added additional Internet providers, added additional workstations, or installed a firewall. For detailed information see our Help page.
Training
Training provided by the Board and through MLS is held on occasion throughout the state and via webinars. Subscribe to the MLS listserv for training announcements and check MBLC and MLS continuing education listings for more information.