5 min read

Thanks to the Maine State Library and its partners, Digital Maine Library (DML) offers a wealth of online resources available at no cost to job seekers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, from those just hatching an idea for a new business to experienced owners looking to expand. 

What’s more, these resources are as close as your keyboard. You don’t have to visit the library, or even own a library card, to access DML at any time, from any computer or other device with an IP address from the state of Maine and a connection to the internet. (Without a library card, you’ll simply need to create a free DML account the first time you use it.)

DML replaces MARVEL, an earlier iteration of online resources that was introduced in Maine back in 2004. In 2018, the Maine State Library and Maine InfoNet (a collaborative of Maine’s academic, public, school and special libraries supporting cultural, educational and economic development) rolled out the Digital Maine Library, with a new name, logo, and website.

Thanks to the Maine State Library and its partners, the Digital Maine Library provides access to a wealth of information and resources to everyone in Maine, at no cost. While DML includes myriad resources on a vast array of subject matter, many of these may prove valuable to job seekers and business owners in Maine. Photo Credit: Nancy P. McGinnis

Through DML, every resident of Maine can access expansive online resources, including complete, unabridged articles as well as abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals, e-books, learning tools and more. The content is always expanding to include newly published as well as historic material. DML also provides students of all ages, educators, businesspeople, library patrons, and the general public across the state with a robust, diverse array of online learning tools.

“The resources in Digital Maine Library comprise a critical component in the continuing efforts around workforce development throughout the state,” said Maine State Librarian, Lori Stockman.

DML is funded by the Maine State Library and its partners. Its server log records some user information for statistical and security purposes, and to prevent unauthorized use of the site. No personal information is made available to any third party. 

Statistics show that 70,645 Mainers logged in to the Digital Maine Library for a total of 137,954 user sessions during the last fiscal year (July 2024-June 2025).

Beth Crist, Director of Special Projects at the Maine State Library, is eager to see even more Mainers become familiar with this amazing resource, what it offers and how to use it to full advantage. 

“There’s so much to explore, it can seem a little overwhelming at first,” she explained, “but it’s well worth the effort.” For anyone needing support, Maine State Library reference staff members are available to help during business hours by phone or email. 

Crist helpfully pointed out some of the most popular sites on DML for job seekers and small business entrepreneurs:

Accel5 Business Book Summaries & Videos

“Whether you’re looking to find a new job, advance in a career, transition from the military, or start—or grow—your own business,” said Crist, “this collection helps individuals develop skills for success.”

A collection of over 4,000 business book summaries with key takeaways as well as 700 concise videos, contributed by over a thousand leading authors, educators, executives and entrepreneurs, designed to help users with time management, networking, teamwork, creative thinking, conflict resolution and entrepreneurial aptitudes. 

Entrepreneurial Studies Source

Covering the latest insights in entrepreneurship and small business ownership through hundreds of full text journals and books, as well as over 15,000 company profiles. Further explore topics via the videos in the Faculty Seminar Series, featuring the work and research of prominent professors and experts from Harvard Business School. 

Small Business Source

Both new and seasoned small business owners can learn about every aspect of successful operation from the top e-books, journals, and industry and market research reports in this collection. From state-specific resources with demographic data to legal information and so much more, Small Business Source has practical tools. For newcomers, there are case studies, a start-up kit, tips for writing business plans, and other types of help and advice; for more established businesses, there is guidance on going green, managing and leading, growing your business, selling your business and more.

LearningExpress

Looking to build basic skills, get a new job, advance in your workplace, find a new career, or study for professional exams? “ LearningExpress is a rich resource with so much to offer,” said Crist.

While it most often serves as a study hub for high school equivalency or college prep exams (it also has a scholarship search tool), it has two specific sections to assist with career and workforce development.

Under Skill Building and Professional Development, you’ll find:

  • Adult Core Skills to hone your reading, writing math, and speaking skills; even study to become a U.S. citizen. 
  • The Basic Computer Skills module with user-friendly tutorials on general computer, internet and Microsoft Office skills. 
  • And an AWS (Amazon Web Services) section: tools to develop your skills in a wide array of leading-edge technology topics.

Then there’s a Career Development and Job Preparation section that includes an array of tools to explore and prepare for new careers: searching for jobs and internships, as well as creating outstanding resumes and cover letters, and preparing for job interviews. 

Looking for a career change but not sure what direction to head in? LearningExpress is also where you’ll find the Career E-book Library, offering valuable information about various career paths. Check out the interest and skills quizzes. The results will match you with potential careers. 

Maine residents can explore tools to develop proficiency in important workplace skills, from using Artificial Intelligence to time management and more. If you’re considering a career that requires a professional or licensing exam, LearningExpress provides test preparation e-books, and even practice tests, for a lengthy list of professional certifications, from real estate to cosmetology to civil service to CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and many more.

All of these, and the many other resources in the Digital Maine Library collection provide a powerful strategic boost to Maine individuals looking to get ahead and improve their circumstances, as well as a potential upgrade to workforce development and economic wellbeing in central Maine and throughout the state.