Illinois library systems provide essential services to over 2,200 Illinois libraries. Because of systems, libraries can better serve taxpayers throughout the state. Systems also take a leadership role in ensuring that library service is readily available to Illinois residents, no matter what their income, ethnic background, or where they live.
Illinois Library Systems are membership-based, regional organizations consisting of academic, public, school, and special libraries. Illinois is served by nine Library Systems, each providing services to participating libraries in its region.
Funding for Illinois Library Systems is provided through the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State with funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.
Why do we need library systems?
- Systems make it possible for Illinois residents to use their public library cards at almost any Illinois library they choose to visit. Last year, over 9 million items were borrowed from other libraries, up from 7 million the year before.
- System vans provide the physical delivery of over 28 million library items throughout the state. This is the hub that makes it possible for Illinois residents to acquire materials not available at their home library.
- Systems support automated catalogs which make the collections of Illinois libraries accessible online and available for sharing with citizens of Illinois.
- Systems save tax dollars by coordinating group purchases and providing cost-effective cooperative services to reduce duplicative costs. The group purchases save libraries up to 98% of the cost of a wide range of services, including many popular online resources. These resources are available to Illinois library card holders via the Internet 24/7.
- Systems provide the necessary education and training to keep the more than 30,000 library staff and trustees up to date on new developments and resources and competent with new skills. Last year systems provided over 1,500 training opportunities.
- Systems facilitate excellence in library services by providing consulting services, bringing library staff and trustees together to share best practices, and organizing joint projects.
What would happen to library service without library systems?
- Without the system delivery service, libraries would not be able to share materials, greatly diminishing the resources of each and every library. Illinois residents would only be able to check out materials of their home library.
- Without the discounts negotiated by Systems, many libraries would no longer be able to afford to purchase many resources that help kids with homework, help people find jobs, and support accurate and thorough research for students, business owners, and municipal and civic organizations.
- Libraries would lose essential support that makes it possible to work together in person and online. It will be much harder for libraries to work collectively, greatly diminishing options for improving services at individual libraries.
- Library systems are one of the best examples of economic efficiency in the state, returning as much as $9 for each $1 of investment. Without the support and services of Systems, libraries would not be able to offer Illinois taxpayers the high quality programs and services they have come to expect.
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