Seven multicounty, multitype library systems (MCMT) improve library services by facilitating cooperation among academic libraries, public libraries, school library media centers, and special libraries. Multicounty, multitype library systems may develop services including, but not limited to, resource sharing, joint programs, staff development, and community relations. Multicounty, multitype library systems also partner on statewide projects.
Multicounty, multitype library systems receive a biennial legislative appropriation that is disbursed on a formula allocation.
The seven Minnesota Multicounty Multitype Library Systems were established by Minnesota Statutes 134.351 to provide services to school, academic, special, & public libraries in each of seven geographic regions. Services vary by region so that the services & programs offered meet the needs of all member libraries.
Arrowhead Library System (ALS)
Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE)
Northern Lights Library Network (NLLN)
Southeast Library System (SELS)
Traverse des Sioux Regional Library Cooperative (TdS)
Collaborative Projects
In addition to providing services and programs tailored to their members’ needs, the multitype systems have a long history of collaborative projects. This collaboration makes it possible to do large projects that one system would not be able to do alone. Current projects include the School library Media Census, Solo Librarian Resources website, and the Statewide Continuing Education Calendar. Past projects include 23 Things On a Stick, More Things On a Stick, & 23 Mobile Things.
Links
Calendar https://mlln.org/mlln-calendar/
Solo Librarian https://mnmultitypes.wixsite.com/mysite
Partnerships
The seven systems work with other library organizations to advance Minnesota libraries and librarians. These partnership include MCMT representation on these groups:
Minnesota Library Partners
The MCMT, regional public libraries, and the Minnesota Library Association share the expense of a lobbyist to represent the needs off libraries in the Minnesota Legislature.
Minnesota Library Learning Network (MLLN)
The MCMT are a founding member of the MLLN due to their commitment to professional development and continuing education opportunities for all library staff. The MCMT fund the Continuing Education calendar that is on the MLLN website.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
The MCMT have a seat on this Council to keep the interests of all types of libraries part of the discussion.