Digital Library Use Surges

HARTFORD –– In just over two years, the Connecticut State Library’s digital library, known as icon, has become a hit with patrons, generating more than ten million searches through the website.

The iCONN site, on line since April 2001, is a component of the Connecticut Education Network, which was created through a bill based on an education technology plan developed by Lt Gov M. Jodi Rell. The iCONN site is available to Connecticut students and residents either through their schools, libraries, or homes.

“In just a short time, Internet users from across the state have logged onto iCONN for research and information. With more than ten million searches in only two years, it’s evident that iCONN is a hit with Connecticut residents,” the lieutenant governor said.

Total searches on the site from July 1, 2001, through June 30 of this year were 10,445,428, State Librarian Kendal Wiggin noted. The number of searches increased 18 percent between 2002 and 2003, he added.

“It’s clear that residents are using iCONN for research for educational, cultural, and personal interest,” he said.

The iCONN site is available at www.iconn.org. Residents can access the site from any school or library in the state; residents need a library card to enter the site from home or other remote locations.

The iCONN site recently added six newspapers to its database for further research and will soon add the popular Consumer Reports.