Lakeland Library Cooperative
The Lakeland Library Cooperative is organized under Michigan Public Act 89 of 1977, which
provides for the establishment of cooperative libraries. Lakeland’s members include
42 public libraries in 78 locations across Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon,
Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.
The mission of Lakeland Library Cooperative is to strengthen member libraries in eight west
Michigan counties by providing the means to share resources, services, and expertise for the
benefit of individuals and communities. Lakeland policies are set by the membership as a
whole and govern inter-cooperative activities. Individual member libraries are governed by
policies set by their local boards.
The primary funding for the Cooperative is State Aid to Public Libraries including the
Cooperative’s 1/3-share and the member libraries’ indirect 1/3-share. Yearly, before annual
budgets are finalized, member libraries choose from a menu of services offered by Lakeland.
Members’ costs are reduced by economies of scale through group purchasing
provides for the establishment of cooperative libraries. Lakeland’s members include
42 public libraries in 78 locations across Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon,
Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.
The mission of Lakeland Library Cooperative is to strengthen member libraries in eight west
Michigan counties by providing the means to share resources, services, and expertise for the
benefit of individuals and communities. Lakeland policies are set by the membership as a
whole and govern inter-cooperative activities. Individual member libraries are governed by
policies set by their local boards.
The primary funding for the Cooperative is State Aid to Public Libraries including the
Cooperative’s 1/3-share and the member libraries’ indirect 1/3-share. Yearly, before annual
budgets are finalized, member libraries choose from a menu of services offered by Lakeland.
Members’ costs are reduced by economies of scale through group purchasing
History
In 1971 the Grand Rapids Public Library began a federally funded pilot project that offered free
reference services and borrowing privileges at Grand Rapids to libraries in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,
and Montcalm counties.
When federal support ended in October 1973, a way to maintain those services, and to add
others, was sought. Through a series of meetings and the drafting of a charter for a new library
system, that way was found: The Lakeland Library Federation. In 1977 the Michigan Public Act
89 of 1977 established cooperative libraries, which is when the current governance of the
Lakeland Library Cooperative replaced the Federation.
reference services and borrowing privileges at Grand Rapids to libraries in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,
and Montcalm counties.
When federal support ended in October 1973, a way to maintain those services, and to add
others, was sought. Through a series of meetings and the drafting of a charter for a new library
system, that way was found: The Lakeland Library Federation. In 1977 the Michigan Public Act
89 of 1977 established cooperative libraries, which is when the current governance of the
Lakeland Library Cooperative replaced the Federation.
Board |
Services |
|
A board comprised of
representatives from member libraries governs the Cooperative. There are nine board members: • Group E: Kent District Library—2 permanent members • Group D: Grand Rapids Public Library, Herrick District Library (Holland) and Muskegon Area District Library—1 permanent member each • Group C: Allendale Township Library, Georgetown Township Public Library (Jenison), Hackley Public Library (Muskegon), Howard Miller Public Library (Zeeland), Ionia Community Library and Loutit District Library (Grand Haven)—1 elected member for a two year term • Group A and B: remaining 32 libraries—1 elected member from Group A, Group B and a third member from either A or B for two year terms each. |
• Integrated Library System software “Sierra”
provides a public catalog, patron database, and circulation of materials functions • Cataloging of collection materials for entry into the public catalog • Data lines for access to the integrated library system • Web content filtering • IT and wide area network VPN support • Delivery of materials between Lakeland libraries and the statewide MeLCat delivery service called RIDES • Continuing education • Training and hosting of state training opportunities • Advocacy coordination • Liaison to state library agencies • Group purchases of supplies • Consulting to member libraries • Research and Development • Mobile training lab for in-library training • Coordinate service contracts such as Overdrive eBooks/eAudiobooks, Zinio periodicals, and Movie Licensing USA |
