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Metropolitan Library System
Has Suspended Services
on June 30, 2010
A Message to Library Patrons
While you are aware of the financial problems the
State of Illinois is experiencing you may not be aware of the impact
it is having on your local public library service.
Illinois Library Systems are funded directly by the State. Two of
the most important services that they support financially are shared
online catalogs (SWAN in our case) and the delivery of materials
between libraries.
Libraries in this area are part of the Metropolitan Library System
(MLS). The website address for MLS is
http://www.mls.lib.il.us
Because of the long delays in receiving State monies due them,
Illinois Library Systems are cutting services and staff. This will
have an impact on your local library.
With the loss of MLS’s financial support for services, your local
library will need to cover these expenses itself and perhaps even
downsize some services to make them more affordable.
The impact on services to patrons may include:
• Limits on the number of items that may be ordered or borrowed from
other libraries
• A longer waiting period for items requested from other libraries
• Modification or elimination of special programs or joint ventures
such as the Macy’s Museum Adventure Pass Program
Over the next year(s) changes will occur as libraries adapt to the
loss of system support. We will do all we can to keep you informed
of these changes and to minimize their effects on service to you,
our patrons.
Illinois libraries have always been and will continue to be
committed to providing the best possible service to their
communities. We will continue to work together toward that goal.
The priority of all Illinois libraries is to sustain the statewide
delivery service and all shared online catalogs to make sure that
resource sharing continues between libraries.
HOW TO
HELP:
CONTACT OUR LEGISLATORS!
Tell them to provide the funding
they have promised to Libraries!
State Representative: David E. Miller
708-201-8000
217-782-8087
E-Mail: RepDavidMiller@aol.com
State Senator: James T. Meeks
708-862-1515
217-782-8066
E-Mail: jmeeks@senatedem.ilga.gov |
