MBLC Programs and Services
A Reference for the Key Issues Discussions
State Aid to Public Libraries
By encouraging libraries to meet certain minimum requirements, the State Aid to Public Libraries Program improves library services, while assisting municipalities with less revenue raising capability and municipalities whose libraries lend materials to residents of other communities.
Regional Library Systems and Library of Last Recourse
Regions provide a delivery system, interlibrary loan, reference support, licensed databases, continuing education and training for library staff and trustees, and a summer reading program. The library of last recourse provides access to the collections and services of the 6th largest public research library in the country at the Boston Public Library.
Library Technology and Resource Sharing
- Support for automated networks.
- Technical assistance in receiving discounted telecommunications services under the federal E-Rate program.
- Agency Web site (mass.gov/mblc
- Statewide virtual catalog--a unified search of 35 million Massachusetts library holdings.
- Directory of special collections in 700 repositories in Massachusetts.
Statewide Services to Libraries and Library Users
- Access to full-text magazine and reference databases, providing access to thousands of copyrighted general, business, health, scholarly, biographical and news publications.
- Access to current and back issues of three Massachusetts newspapers: The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.
- MassAnswers, an online chat reference service.
Public Library Construction
Technical assistance to public libraries on any aspect of construction;
Grants for Planning & Design and for General Construction projects
Library Services and Technology Act Federal Program
Annual grant opportunities for libraries, networks and regions.
Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Braille and Talking Book Library at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown,
Talking Book Library at the Worcester Public Library.
NFB-NEWSLINE®, a service that makes it possible for blind individuals to gain access to newspapers via a toll-free telephone number.
Public Library Advisory and Technical Assistance
- Assistance for municipal officials, boards of trustees, library directors and library friends groups.
- Advice on laws, proposed legislation, regulations and policies affecting local public libraries, governance issues, roles and responsibilities of trustees, friends groups, and fund raising for libraries.
- Support for the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association and the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries to strengthen programs for trustees and friends.
Library Reference/Research Services
The reference and research library supports the research needs of public libraries and the development of Board programs with a current collection of professional materials and resources.
Data Coordination and Analysis
The Board collects, analyzes and publishes financial, demographic and personnel information about all types of libraries.
Certification of Library Personnel
Certificates are required of all Massachusetts public library directors as a prerequisite for municipalities to receive State Aid to Public Libraries.
Library-Based Literacy
Board staff provides consultation and technical assistance to public libraries in program development, selection of materials, proposal writing and identification of outside funding sources.
Preservation
The preservation program reaches librarians and archivists through workshops, technical assistance, an environmental monitoring program, preservation information services, emergency assistance, and federal grant awards.
Emergency Assistance Program
The Emergency Assistance Program provides assistance to libraries and archives in the event of an emergency, in addition to providing disaster preparedness training in advance.
Continuing Education and Training
Board staff provides a wide range of continuing education and training programs for library trustees, staff, and friends of library organizations.
Communications and Public Relations
The Board serves as an advocate for libraries and improved library services to the residents of the Commonwealth.