Central Massachusetts Regional Library System was a multitype library system serving 244 academic , public , school and special libraries in 72 central Massachusetts communities. It was one of six Massachusetts Regional Library Systems. Collectively, CMRLS libraries serve 924,491 people who live, work or study in Central Massachusetts . Founded in 1963, the library system began as a unit within the City of Worcester, Massachusetts municipal government and served public libraries exclusively. In 1997 it became a multitype, independent non-profit organization working with all types of libraries. Nearly all services were provided free of charge, with major funding through a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners . Due to the collapse of state funding, it was merged along with four other Massachusetts Regional Library Systems into the Massachusetts Library System on July 1, 2010.
6-493: 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
12-571: A state agency . The executive board consists of representatives from public libraries, public and private schools and colleges, and libraries of private organizations. Central Massachusetts Regional Library System The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System promoted and supported resource sharing, professional development , collaboration, and innovation among all types of libraries in Central Massachusetts. Its services strengthened member libraries and staff, creating
18-466: A collaborative network that is essential to a high quality and accessible continuum of library services for those who live, work, or study in the region. Public libraries typically receive less than 2% of municipal funding. Academic libraries fare better, but school libraries much worse. The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System helped libraries to use their resources more effectively and serve their clientele better than they could alone. Its vision
24-626: 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. According to its website, the Massachusetts Library System's "services are provided through state funds administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners ,"
30-636: The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners." It operates from offices in Marlborough and Northampton, Massachusetts. The entity was formed "to consolidate the services of six former regional library systems:" 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 . During its formation by
36-500: Was to "create synergy among libraries to enrich the quality of life in Central Massachusetts." Its capacity building and system development activities were grouped into three categories: resource sharing and collection support; reference services and support; staff and program development. In addition, the library system also ran a temporary staffing service called BiblioTemps, which was suspended in May 2010 and restored by its successor,
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