NEWS RELEASE

Small public libraries that have struggled to be part of automated library networks will receive funding to support network membership through the newly created Small Libraries in Networks - New Participants program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) at its January board meeting.

The program is made possible by increased FY 2015 state funding to the MBLC's Technology and Resource Sharing budget line (account 7000-9506).

"Network membership saves local libraries money and improves library services," Cindy Roach, the MBLC's head of library advisory and development, said. "It is important for all libraries, but particularly so for small libraries because it enables them to become the portal for rural and isolated residents to have access to holdings in libraries throughout the Commonwealth."

The Small Libraries in Networks grant program has existed since 2002. Through the program, libraries receive state funding to offset the annual cost of belonging to a network.

However, budget reductions to the MBLC's Technology and Resource Sharing budget line (account 7000-9506) totaling 30% since 2002 had frozen the program. With $102,500 in new funding available, many libraries will benefit.

They fall into two categories:

1) Network members that have received partial funding. The offset for network membership is typically $2,500 for annual membership per full member. However, due to funding limitations, six libraries have been funded at $1,800 or less. The following libraries will now receive the full offset amount:

2) Network members that have never received the funding offset (represented in blue on the Small Libraries in Networks Map). Many libraries serving populations of fewer than 10,000 had never received an offset for their membership because they were either already a member of a network before the program was created, or they joined a network while the program was frozen.

Automated library networks provide libraries with Internet connections that make efficient cost effective automated library operation possible and they facilitate sharing materials between libraries. They also provide centralized and automated library services that save local libraries time and money including Wi-Fi, cataloging materials, mobile and multilingual interfaces that improve patron access, and online reservation of materials.

Based on input from librarians from across the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has made increased funding to Technology and Resource Sharing a priority in its FY 2016 Legislative Agenda.

Established in 1890, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners was the first state library commission in the United States. The nine-member volunteer commission is appointed by the governor. The MBLC supports statewide programming and innovation in libraries to ensure equal access to library services for every resident in the Commonwealth.

MBLC services include public library construction, preservation and disaster prevention, electronic resources, statewide resource sharing, and state and federal grants. The MBLC funds the Massachusetts Library System, the Library for the Commonwealth at Boston Public Library, Perkins Talking Book Library, the Talking Book Library at Worcester Public Library, and the Massachusetts Center for the Book. It also partially supports the nine automated library networks.