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Welcome to NSLS

Whether you are new to the North Suburban Library System (NSLS) or have been around for years but have never quite figured out what NSLS is all about, this is the place to start.

NSLS is one of nine multi-type regional library systems. The Illinois State Library has divided the state into regional systems in order to provide better, more flexible service to all Illinois libraries. This allows for systems to tailor services to their members according to their needs instead of applying a "one size fits all" model.

 

Articles On Our Site It's Time To Re-Imagine Libraries by Sarah Ann Long, NSLS

In this Section

Below is an overview of the services we offer to our members in our effort to accomplish the goals set out in our mission statement and strategic directions.

Services Available for Each Library Type

NSLS has many services to offer. We've broken down which services are especially useful to each particular library type.

Partnerships
Working together, individuals from member libraries and NSLS have created many ways to share information with each other and the communities we serve.

Networking Groups
Connecting and communicating with individuals in other libraries that have the same job or interests that you have is important. NSLS has worked with our membership to create several such groups that meet regularly. Networking groups are available in the Interact with Colleagues section.

Communities of Practice (CoPs)
Responding to our members' need to communicate with colleagues or members of a networking group in between meetings, NSLS (with input from members) created online Communities of Practice to provide an immediate forum for discussion. CoPs are available in the Interact with Colleagues section.

Resource Directory/Discounts
Sharing information about vendors and arranging group discounts on goods and services is another powerful component of NSLS partnerships. In response to our members’ requests, a resource directory of companies recommended by or doing business with NSLS libraries was created.

Projects Created Through Partnerships
Communicating and sharing ideas helps lead people to the creation of new ideas and designs for services. This has happened in the past and lead to the creation of several popular and successful services you will often hear mentioned.

Digital Past
Sharing information in new and inventive ways is one of the goals NSLS libraries have pursued. Since 1998, Digital Past has created an online archive of over 35, 000 digital records to allow the participating institutions a chance to share their rare and unique records with the world.

MyWebLibrarian
Providing information at the individual’s point of need is a growing expectation and is possible with technology. The participants in MyWebLibrarian realized the patron’s need, embraced the concept of using technology to meet it, and have been providing an online virtual reference service since 2000.

Non-English Resources
Serving immigrant populations has been one of the traditional roles of libraries. After the last census, many NSLS libraries realized their communities were changing. Each library was trying to cope in its own way, when our members determined it was important for libraries to share their information and resources. NSLS and our members created the Non-English Resources page to meet their needs and and the needs of their patrons.

Telling Our Story
Providing wonderful programs and services is just part of what libraries need to do. Libraries must tell people about what they are doing and constantly prove their value and worth. Marketing and public relations is an important and plays an increasingly vital role for libraries.

Library Beat

Discover what's happening in libraries through podcasts, videos, and newspaper columns.

Marketing
Knowing how to get started with a marketing plan or where to go for a sample press release can be very useful. The marketing area was created as a one stop spot to get your marketing questions answered.

Sarah Long’s Daily Herald Column
Bringing library topics and events before the public on a weekly basis is the motivation for NSLS Director Sarah Long to write her Daily Herald column. Her articles frequently feature member libraries, quotes and suggestions from their staff, and increase their visibility.

Lifelong Learning
Providing Professional Development opportunities to the staff of member libraries, NSLS enables individuals to stay aware of developing trends, improve their abilities, and learn new skills.

Professional Development (PD) Calendar
Offering a wide variety of classes that appeal to different audiences is one of the services to our members that NSLS is proud to provide. The PD Calendar provides an overview of classes and a direct link for registering.

Ed2Go
Taking courses when and where you want them is made easier with Ed2Go, an online series of classes sponsored by NSLS.

New Models of Service
Keeping our members informed of new ideas, trends, and developing technologies is an important part of what NSLS does. However, the System likes to go one step further and help create partnerships to develop and explore new services.

My Media Mall
Pooling their resources, several area libraries have been able to purchase a collection of e-audio books and hope to expand into e-video. If you are interested in joining My Media Mall or want more information, contact Dale Lawrence or Debbie Baaske.

NetLibrary

NetLibrary's Recorded Books eAudiobooks collection makes high quality titles available online through NetLibrary member libraries. Developed in partnership with Recorded Books, the world's largest independent publisher and distributor of unabridged audiobooks, they offer audiobooks for all ages in English and Spanish. Titles are always available, so there are no waiting lists. Patrons may borrow materials from home and have no worries concerning late fees. If you are interested in joining NetLibrary or want more information, contact Dale Lawrence or Debbie Baaske.

Advocacy
Advocating for your library in an environment of scarce financial resources is an important job. NSLS tries to make it a little easier by giving you a place to start, the Advocate for Libraries section on our Web site.

nsls.info Weekly E-newsletter
If you want to be in the know for all NSLS news, subscribe to nsls.info, our electronic newsletter. You'll find the subscription information in the left column of our site. Once subscribed, this e-newsletter will be sent directly to your desktop every Friday morning.

Membership Requirements and Application

If you are interested in becoming a member of NSLS, please review our membership requirements and complete the membership agreement form.