Long Range Plan 2003 - 2007 : Regional Library Systems  

Six regional library systems, serving all types of libraries, began operation in 1997. Replacing the three regions that had existed for over 30 years to serve 370 public libraries, the new multi-type regions have grown to serve over 1700 public, school, academic and special libraries. Regions provide delivery, interlibrary loan, reference and research services (including access to web-based online databases), supplemental deposit collections, cooperative purchasing, continuing education, technical services support, technical assistance and consulting, and the statewide Summer reading program.

Figure 1.3. Regional Map

The regions provide leadership and drive innovation in library service to member libraries and to residents of the Commonwealth. With endeavors such as 24x7 reference service, the MassCAT union catalog that allows smaller libraries to begin resource sharing, and distribution of portable e-book readers to member libraries, the regions are finding new ways to best meet the needs of their regions and confirm the relevance of libraries in rapidly changing times.