Regional Library Systems
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administers a program of regional services that allows libraries of all types to provide library users with materials and information across the Commonwealth. The six Regional Library Systems provide services to, and support resource sharing among nearly 1,800 public, academic, school and special libraries in Massachusetts. Regional services include interlibrary loan, reference and referral, delivery of materials between libraries, continuing education, technical assistance, database access, bookmobile services, cooperative purchasing programs, supplemental deposit collections of print and nonprint materials, and the Summer Reading Program.
Background
The concept of the regional library systems was recognized as a necessary element in the development and expansion of public library services shortly after the turn of the century. In 1911 the Massachusetts Free Public Library Commission (the present Board of Library Commissioners) subscribed for library privileges at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield on behalf of ten small towns in Berkshire county. The total cost of this first experiment in cooperation was $50.00. In the same year a committee was formed to explore ways in which larger libraries might be of assistance to smaller libraries.
Although several cooperative efforts were established in the western part of the state in the thirties and forties, it was passage of Chapter 760 of the Acts of 1960 (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78, Sections 19C and 19D) which authorized the Board of Library Commissioners to establish a comprehensive statewide program of regional public library service supported by State funds appropriated on a per capita basis. Rules, regulations and guidelines delineating procedures for the establishment and operations of the systems were promulgated by the Board. In 1962, contractual agreements established the Western Region while the Central Region was established in 1963. The now-defunct Eastern Region was established during 1966 and 1967.
In July, 1997 the Board of Library Commissioners approved the creation of six new multi-type systems to replace the three public regions. These new regions serve all types of libraries, including public, school, academic, and special libraries.
The regional systems support member libraries with interlibrary loan, reference and research services, centralized purchasing of supplies, technical services support, consultant and technical assistance and other services. Several regions provide supplemental audiovisual materials, bookmobile services and deposit collections. All regions have allocated resources to expand and improve interlibrary loan and information retrieval services by applying computer technology.
Each member library belongs to a regional users council which is governed with bylaws approved by member libraries and the Board of Library Commissioners. Members annually elect officers and other delegates forming the Executive Board which conducts business supported by several standing committees. Regional activities and responsibiliteis are delineated in the annual Plan of Service, and resources are allocated through an annual program budget.