Services

MHLS operates under a 5-year Plan of Service developed in partnership with our member libraries. Services can be categorized into two areas:

Resource Sharing

By working together public libraries are stronger and able to provide more to their public. We support the infrastructure that enables partnership among 66 regional libraries and beyond. For example:

• Integrated Library System and an Online Catalog
• Delivery Service for our member libraries.
• Interlibrary Loan outside of the System service area
• Coordinated Database and eResource Purchasing & IT Purchasing

Library Sustainability

This area of service manages both state mandated services and consulting and continuing education for member libraries. There is no need for libraries to re-invent the wheel. By pooling knowledge about what works and what doesn’t at the System, libraries can learn from each other to provide the highest quality library service. MHLS serves as a clearinghouse of best practices, examples, and trend spotting

• State Mandated Programs:
  • State Aid for Library Construction Program
  • Coordinated Outreach Program
  • Annual Reports to the State
  • Minimum Standards Compliance
  • Other state grant programs
• Consulting and Continuing Education
  • Full Continuing Education Schedule
  • Technical assistance on laws and regulations
  • Sustainable Funding
  • Strategic Planning
  • Trustee Education
  • Workflow Consulting
  • Lab Projects
  • The Library of Local Project
  • Tech Support Contracts
  • Web Site Hosting
  • And More!