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."<ref>MLS Strategic Plan 2013-2015. [http://www.masslibsystem.org/wp-content/uploads/2012-10-22-Strategic-Plan-FINAL-VERSION.pdf]. Retrieved 2014-02-25</ref> It operates from offices in Marlborough and Northampton, Massachusetts.
The entity was formed "to consolidate the services of six former regional library systems:"<ref>[http://www.masslibsystem.org/about/ MLS website]. Retrieved 2010-12-29</ref> 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.<ref>"Why Regional Library Systems Matter." Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Library Commissioners. [http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/publications/annual/past-reports/annual09.pdf 2009 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228171535/http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/publications/annual/past-reports/annual09.pdf |date=2010-12-28 }}</ref>
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.<ref>[http://capwiz.com/ala/ma/issues/alert/?alertid=15014756 Action Alert: House Budget Has Bad News for Libraries; MLA Opposes Amendments, Asks for Senate Help]. Massachusetts Library Association [http://www.masslib.org website]. Retrieved 2010-12-29</ref>
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.
== See also == * List of public libraries in Massachusetts
==References== {{reflist}}
==Further reading== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110719154902/http://blogs.brandeis.edu/edtech/2010/03/03/update-on-new-massachusetts-library-system/ 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. [http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/highlight/x1601208549/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. [http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/05/western_massachusetts_regional.html Masslive.com], May 6, 2010 * MLA does not support "The Western Region Amendment." [https://web.archive.org/web/20110708015547/http://metrowestnews.blog-city.com/mla_does_not_support_the_western_region_amendment.htm MetroWest blog], 10 May 2010 * Maureen Turner. Fighting for Western Mass. Libraries: the state Senate takes up the cause of the region's libraries. [http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=11844 Valley Advocate] (Northampton MA), June 3, 2010
==External links== * http://www.masslibsystem.org/
Category:2010 establishments in Massachusetts Category:Library consortia in Massachusetts