Bibliographic Access
The Cataloging Center is a cooperative project to create high-quality
descriptions of library materials including standardized forms of names
and subjects for LINC, the shared online catalog. This increases the
success rate for locating items in the catalog.
Communications
LTLS strives to create channels that encourage and foster communication,
market library services, and champion collaboration. Some of those
channels are LTLS WebMail, PDA Connect, AOL Instant Messaging (AIM),
LTLS publications and Web site, and Videoconference and Satellite
Facilities.
Consulting
LTLS Consultants give advice and technical assistance for librarians
and governing officials on a wide range of library topics: expansion
of services, management, grant opportunities, new technologies,
marketing, and library laws.
Continuing Education and Training
LTLS strives to provide education and training, when and where needed,
for the general public, member libraries, and other organizations providing
information in East Central Illinois. A wide range of presentation methods
and technologies are utilized. Programs are made available on a pay-as-you-go
basis or as part of a subscription plan called CLaSS available to LTLS
members only.
Cooperative Purchasing
LTLS works to maximize the purchasing power of its member libraries
by negotiating favorable discount agreements with vendors of goods and
services of interest to member libraries, e.g., supplies, furniture,
print and non-print materials, barcode labels for online libraries, and
electronic reference resources.
Delivery
The delivery service distributes books, periodicals, videos, and
other materials among libraries via LTLS delivery vans, with service
to member libraries up to 5 days per week. This service allows the general
public to utilize the resources of all the libraries in the LTLS service
area.
Resource Sharing
LTLS facilitates the borrowing and delivery of library materials
among libraries. User-initiated or librarian-assisted, library-to-library
borrowing makes the resources of each participating library available
to all. Public library cardholders can borrow in person at other public
libraries using their home library card.
Technology
Services
LTLS supports LINC--Libraries IN Cooperation, a shared computer system containing
information about the collections of over 105 LTLS member libraries. LINC
provides online access to over 2 million books, videos, and other non-print resources
owned by a diverse group of academic, public, school, and special libraries. Library
patrons can use a home computer to search for items, place and cancel holds,
renew items, and see what they have checked out.
Visually Impaired
Patrons in the LTLS area can use the free services provided by the
Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center for anyone unable to read regular print
due to a visual or physical handicap. Materials are delivered by mail
and are available in large print, Braille, and descriptive video formats.
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