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The Top Ten Reasons Why Regional Library Systems Are Vital in 2005--and Beyond
By Sarah Long, NSLS

This article is from a special issue of Illinois Libraries (Volume 86, No.1), published in December 2005 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the creation of Illinois' regional library systems.

Author's Note: A list such as this is not only a very personal creation, but is also representative of a particular point in time. Interestingly, most of the items on this list would have been there forty years ago. The examples would have been different, however, and certainly the order would not be the order appearing here. As per the model established by late night television David Letterman, this list builds in importance, with item number one being the most important, at least in this author's view.

10.  Serve as a catalyst. Staffs in Illinois' regional library systems serve as catalysts for libraries in Illinois. Think of them as scouts on the trail, going out, scanning the horizon and bringing back news of what is new and different and what the future might hold. When systems began 40 years ago, system staffs were actively involved in organizing demonstration projects designed to establish new public libraries. In those days, system staff were extolling the virtues of paperback books in libraries, using business automation techniques in a library setting, and cooperative purchasing and cataloging. Today, system staffs are urging member libraries to consider how wikis, blogs, podcasting, digitization and downloadable media can position the library to better serve its users—today AND tomorrow. They are recommending that staff in libraries of all types consider becoming entrepreneurial, learn about return on investment, and being effective marketers. These are skills that will be needed in the library of the future. Not all of these approaches will develop or thrive, but it is the system's role to help libraries think about and be ready for the future their patrons will need and demand.

9. Promote relevant standards. Systems uphold professional standards in many ways. System staffs apprise member libraries of the necessity of maintaining industry standards from the national and international level as a basis for cooperation. System staffs promote both technical and overall professional standards. For example, without the MARC standard for cataloging, shared databases would be very difficult. The Library Bill of Rights as established by the American Library Association is an example of a professional standard explained and promoted by systems.

8. Model and promote multitype cooperation. Illinois' regional library systems began the process of becoming multitype in 1973. Being multitype mobilizes all the resources in every Illinois library for all residents. As digitization and electronic communication expand, the possibilities of working together in a multitype environment increase. Systems remain the locus for both promoting the idea of libraries of all types (academic, public, school and special) and the practical vehicle where multitype cooperation happens.

7. Aggregate member power. Systems help members work together for optimal results. For example, most systems negotiate discounts or group purchases. Systems write grants, forge partnerships and organize cooperative projects that enable member libraries to do things that would be impossible on a smaller scale. Systems utilize the combined voice of all members in marketing initiatives and help members learn to tell their individual stories.

6. Facilitate member networking. Everyone loves to talk to others who work in the same profession. They not only like to interact, they learn from it, and the connection to others inspires the very best practices. Systems facilitate member networking by convening affinity groups, by extolling best practices to all system members for emulation, by promoting formal and informal mentoring, and by setting up electronic networking capabilities.

5. Facilitate resource sharing. Illinois systems led the nation in setting up cooperative automation systems that would facilitate resource sharing. The Local Library System Automation Projects (LLSAPS) are now pioneering patron initiated interlibrary loan. The Illinois State Library's initiative to help and encourage all libraries in Illinois to become members of OCLC has furthered resource sharing. Systems are helping to reach this goal by encouraging resource sharing at the local level. Systems continue to provide a foundation for resource sharing by supporting interlibrary loan and reciprocal borrowing. In the digital age, interest and use of these resource sharing systems is increasing every year, with no leveling off in sight.

4. Facilitate the delivery of materials between members. Each regional library system operates a van delivery service for timely, economic delivery of materials between its members. The Illinois State Library's Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS) links all system deliveries for statewide distribution. As statewide resource sharing grows, van delivery also grows, and this critical service magnifies in importance. Systems also operate electronic delivery systems—delivery of information via system Web sites and newsletters and delivery of electronic content with digitizing projects and downloadable materials.

3. Consult with staff in member libraries. Regional library systems employ staffs that are skilled, experienced, and people oriented to serve as consultants to staff in member libraries. Questions asked and help offered differ from system to system and change as libraries change and develop. For example, in response to ongoing budget constraints, requests for fundraising assistance has grown in recent years. System staffs are asked to help with grants requests submitted to the Illinois State Library, and to advise on other sources of grant funding. Continuing education programs are now being offered about how to raise funds, fundraising techniques and organizing for fundraising. The directors of Illinois' regional library systems have created the Fund for Illinois Libraries to serve as a 501(C)(3) vehicle for receiving grants and donations.

2. Lead advocacy initiatives. Advocacy initiatives have assumed a larger role during the first forty years of system history. Today, systems work cooperatively with the Public Policy Committee of the Illinois Library Association and advocacy leaders in the Illinois School Library Media Association. Systems organize legislative breakfasts and groups to attend Advocacy Day in Springfield and Washington D. C. Systems inform members about issues and help library advocates effectively describe library needs to legislators.

1. Improve the skills and capabilities and broaden the horizons of staff in member libraries. "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime" (Author unknown). One of the major services of Illinois ' regional library systems is professional development. This is accomplished in many ways, including in-person events as well as online opportunities. LibraryU originated as a system service, as did OPAL. Speakers and instructors might be system staff, system members, experts from out of state or speakers from outside of the library community. Content varies from basic library skills to trustee training, and includes technology skills training, organizational development, management concept instruction or anything wanted or needed by staff in member libraries. Over the past forty years, libraries in Illinois have been recognized nationally and internationally for their excellence and achievement. What's Illinois libraries' secret weapon? Ongoing professional development delivered close to home and as a part of what all neighboring libraries are doing.

About the Author

Sarah Long is the Executive Director of the North Suburban Library System.

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