Wisconsin DPI News Release: State funding supports library system services

Though budget cuts reduced nearly all state programs, including library system aid, Wisconsin’s 17 federated public library systems will continue to economize and share resources with $16.1 million in state aid for 2010.

Library system funding is the state’s primary program of support for public library service statewide. Systems recently received the first of two aid payments for 2010. Total aid for next year is $16,165,400.

“Public libraries tailor their services to balance budgetary limits and community needs. All of our libraries have targeted resources to help patrons search for jobs, update resumes, and improve employability skills. And, many are working with Job Service staff and other organizations to offer assistance to the unemployed and underemployed,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “The state’s aid program to public library systems is a wise use of state funds to support the valuable services and materials local public libraries provide.”

Wisconsin’s 385 independent public libraries have all voluntarily joined a public library system. The systems are regional library organizations created to improve public library services, increase Wisconsin residents’ access to library materials and services, and reduce duplication. Systems use funds according to plans developed and adopted by regional boards to meet the needs of each public library system area. Library system services include:

• ensuring that system residents have complete access to all public libraries within the system area. State residents made 33.5 million visits to public libraries and checked out 62.4 million items last year, both increased from the previous year.

• coordinating the sharing of library materials among participating libraries to meet user needs. Annually, libraries loan 8 million items to each other in response to users’ requests. System-supported delivery networks deliver interlibrary loan items.

• providing training and continuing education for local library staff to help them offer the best possible service to their communities.

• coordinating cooperative library technology projects. About 90 percent of the state’s public libraries now participate in shared computer systems that offer users on-line catalog access to regional library holdings. All public libraries provide the public with the use of computers with high-speed Internet connections and 97 percent of the state’s public libraries provide free wireless access for laptop users in the library.

Link to news release, which includes a list of public library system aid payments in 2010.