In just over two years, the Connecticut State Library’s digital library – known as iCONN – has become a hit with patrons, generating more than 10 million searches through the website, Lt. Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today.

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. Governor 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 10 million searches in only two years, it’s evident that iCONN is a hit with Connecticut residents," Lt. Governor Rell said.

"iCONN has become so popular so fast simply because it gives researchers just what they need – immediate, free access to timely and reliable full-text sources such as databases, journals and periodicals," Lt. Governor Rell said.

Total searches on the iCONN 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.