Massachusetts Library System

The Massachusetts Library System was established in 2010. The system provides the following core services: consulting, training & professional development, cooperative purchasing, research & development, summer library program, and the following services as part of resource sharing: delivery, mediated interlibrary loan, journal article document delivery, MassCat, and electronic content, including statewide databases and eBooks (Commonwealth eBook Collections) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners."[1] It operates from offices in Marlborough and Northampton, Massachusetts.

The entity was formed "to consolidate the services of six former regional library systems:"[2] Boston Regional Library System, Central Massachusetts Regional Library System, MetroWest Regional Library System, Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System, Southeastern Massachusetts Library System, and Western Massachusetts Regional Library System.[3]

During its formation by the Massachusetts legislature in spring 2010, the state-wide system received mixed support. The Massachusetts Library Association, for example, opposed aspects of the consolidation of regional systems, claiming service would suffer.[4]

According to its website, the Massachusetts Library System's "services are provided through state funds administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners," a state agency. The executive board consists of representatives from public libraries, public and private schools and colleges, and libraries of private organizations.

References
  1. MLS Strategic Plan 2013-2015. . Retrieved 2014-02-25
  2. MLS website. Retrieved 2010-12-29
  3. "Why Regional Library Systems Matter." Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Library Commissioners. 2009 Annual Report Archived 2010-12-28 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Action Alert: House Budget Has Bad News for Libraries; MLA Opposes Amendments, Asks for Senate Help. Massachusetts Library Association website. Retrieved 2010-12-29

Further reading
  • Update on new Massachusetts Library System. Brandeis University Library, Research & Instruction Services blog, March 3, 2010
  • David Riley. Massachusetts library systems to be consolidated, staff cut. MetroWest Daily News (Framingham MA), Apr 26, 2010.
  • Dan Ring. Western Massachusetts Regional Library System faces state funding cuts, layoffs. Masslive.com, May 6, 2010
  • MLA does not support "The Western Region Amendment." MetroWest blog, 10 May 2010
  • Maureen Turner. Fighting for Western Mass. Libraries: the state Senate takes up the cause of the region's libraries. Valley Advocate (Northampton MA), June 3, 2010
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