Montana Libraries Circulate Over Six Million Items Using New Technology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2006
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA)---The Montana State Library announced today that a consortium of Montana libraries, known as the Montana Shared Catalog, reached a milestone when it circulated its six-millionth item via a shared integrated library system. Made up of 55 libraries and six library branches, the Montana Shared Catalog provides easy, state-of-the-art access to library collections, and serves nearly half of Montana's entire population.
"Circulating six million items through the Montana Shared Catalog means one thing," said Darlene Staffeldt, Montana State Librarian. "Montanans are getting the books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines that help answer their information and entertainment needs. And that is a great thing."
The Montana Shared Catalog works by making entire library collections accessible to library patrons via the Internet. Library patrons can access full text articles, search for materials, and even manage their library account from anywhere in the world. Library patrons can also search other library collections if their home library does not have the item or information they need.
"What this means for library patrons is better and easier access to the information they need and want when they need and want it," said Staffeldt. "Montanans no longer have to wait until the library doors are open to get the information they need."
For libraries, the Montana Shared Catalog makes managing their growing library collections easier and less costly, resulting in more staff time to conduct programming or outreach and larger budgets for more library purchases.
"Being part of the Montana Shared Catalog has allowed our patrons to go online and see what is available in other libraries - not only ours," said Bridgett Johnson, Director of the Lewistown Public Library. "Our patrons love it. And, it's a real delight to have our patrons come in and request items they found in libraries across the state."
"At a time when there is an enormous amount of information available electronically, much of it false, erroneous, or misleading, the Montana Shared Catalog helps Montana library patrons access the best information quickly and easily," said Staffeldt. "The Montana Shared Catalog is better than Internet search engines as it gets accurate information - information that is librarian approved - in people's hands when they want and need it."
The Montana Shared Catalog is a project of the Montana Library Network, a program of the Montana State Library. Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.
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