Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook
| Automated Resource Sharing Networks | ||
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Chapter 13. Massachusetts Public Library Service |  |
The emphasis on cooperative activities that began with the establishment of the regional systems culminated in 1983 in the adoption of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner's planning document for statewide library networking, Automated Resource Sharing in Massachusetts. Since that time, eight nonprofit computer-based networks have been established that serve public (and other types of) libraries (see Appendix G for a map of the networks).
Library Networks Facilitate Resource Sharing
In its simplest definition, a library network facilitates the sharing of resources among libraries for the mutual benefit of their patrons. Objectives of a network can be summarized briefly:
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Shared access to collections through expanded interlibrary loan and borrowing privileges
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Coordinated collection development to avoid unnecessary duplication of materials
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Shared access to bibliographic data
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Continuing education and development of technical expertise of staff members.
| AUTOMATED NETWORKS | |
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| CLAMS | Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing |
| C/W MARS | Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing |
| MVLC | Merrimack Valley Library Consortium |
| MBLN | Metro Boston Library Network |
| MLN | Minuteman Library Network |
| NOBLE | North of Boston Library Exchange |
| OCLN | Old Colony Library Network |
| SAILS | Southeastern Automated Integrated Libraries |
For more information regarding your local network, contact your library director.
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| Library Services to the Blind and Physically Handicapped |  |
Chapter 14. Continuing Education/Library Associations |