Fact Sheet 

Regional Library Systems and Library of Last Recourse

FACT SHEET

REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

The legislature authorized the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to establish three regional library systems serving public libraries in 1960. In 1997 the legislature amended the regional statute to permit the creation of six regional library systems to serve all types of libraries in the Commonwealth. Currently there are 1,789 public, academic, school and special libraries as members.

PURPOSE

The regional library systems provide direct supplementary services in support of libraries. They strive to assist in the development and expansion of library services within the context of a comprehensive statewide program.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The six regional library systems are: Boston, Central, Metrowest, Northeast, Southeastern and Western. Each is administered by an administrative agency with whom the Board enters into contractual arrangements. Member libraries annually elect officers and other delegates forming an Executive Board that conducts business supported by several standing committees. Regional activities and responsibilities are delineated in an annual Plan of Service and program budget approved by the Board. Certain public libraries are designated by the Board as regional reference centers to provide reference services to the region's member libraries and residents.

REGIONAL SERVICES

• Interlibrary loan to support resource sharing

• Delivery system to move materials among member libraries

• Supplemental reference services for residents and for libraries

• Licensed databases available in member libraries and to residents

• Deposit collections and bookmobile service

• Continuing education and training programs for library staffs and trustees

• Professional technical support and advisory services

• Cooperative purchasing of materials and supplies

• Summer reading program

FY2008 FUNDING

The regions are allocated funds annually upon approval of their budgets and plans of service by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Allocations are based on population in each region.

LIBRARY OF LAST RECOURSE

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Library of Last Recourse is to provide access for all residents of the Commonwealth to the resources of a public research library by supporting the development and maintenance of the Boston Public Library's research collections.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

In its role as Library of Last Recourse, the Boston Public Library provides in-depth reference and research services to all residents of the Commonwealth. Ongoing acquisitions maintain a high degree of currency and completeness of holdings in a wide range of subjects from psychology, history and business, to architecture, languages, mathematics and the performing arts.

In addition to the Library of Last Recourse operating as an on-site service for all residents of Massachusetts, the Boston Public Library provides several services to meet researchers' needs. These include proprietary data bases, e.g. Massachusetts state documents, direct computer access to Boston's collections, access to periodical holdings and the circulation of research library materials for use within any public library across the state.

The Boston Public Library collection represents 6 million books and 11 million patents, as well as hundreds of thousands of other items.

FY2008 FUNDING

The appropriation is calculated on a statewide per capita basis.

Library of Last Recourse $7,069,202

AUTHORIZATION

The Regional Library Systems are authorized by M.G.L., c. 78, §§ 19C, 19D and 19F. The Library of Last Recourse is authorized by M.G.L., c. 78, § 19C(4).

1/08