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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Florida Electronic Library?
The Florida Electronic Library provides reference and research assistance to all citizens of the state of Florida with a Florida public library card.

Who runs the Florida Electronic Library?
The Florida Electronic Library is administered by the Florida Division of Library and Information Services.

Who can use this site?
Although there are links to some web sites accessible to anyone, the most beneficial resources of the Florida Electronic Library are for Florida residents only.

How do I register to use this site?
Florida residents do not need to register to use all the features of the site; they just need to enter their Florida public library bar code number when requested.

Why do I have to use a Florida public library card?
The collection of resources available on this site was purchased for exclusive use by Florida residents. Use of a Florida public library card provides reasonable assurance to the database providers that the user is a Florida resident.

Can I get a library card online from the Florida Electronic Library?
No, the Florida Electronic Library does not provide library cards. Some libraries offer online registration for library cards. Find a public library in your area.

Can I use my Florida community college or state university ID to access the databases?
No, you must have a valid library card from a public library. Community college and university students should contact their school library for assistance in accessing similar databases.

What about user privacy?
See the Privacy Policy

What databases are available though the Florida Electronic Library?
This site provides access to a rich collection of databases offered by Thomson Gale and OCLC FirstSearch, as well as many open access resources available to everyone, with or without a library card. See Research Resources for a complete list of available resources.

My library provides at home access to these resources. Can I still use that service?
Yes. All former methods of accessing databases still work.

What do I do if my public library bar code number doesn't work?
Try retyping your number, making sure that you are using the number associated with (above or below) the bar code on your library card. If your library card does not have a bar code, visit your public library and see if a newer card is available.

What do I do if I don't have access to the Internet at home?
All Florida Electronic Library resources are available in Florida public libraries.