LibGuides: MLS Membership: Home

Our Members

There are 1466 MLS members:

114 Academic Libraries
370 Public Libraries
865 School Libraries
117 Special Libraries

Member Directory

Totals as of July 1st, 2023

Membership Forms

Membership Eligibility
Any public, academic, school and special library within Massachusetts will be eligible to participate as a member of the Library System upon meeting certain requirements. Please review this list of requirements prior to completing the account registration form.
School Membership Policy
Considering the substantial changes to school library staff in recent years, the Mass. Library System will allow schools that have library staff working on their library certification requirements to join/remain MLS members for a maximum of five years.

These staff members are expected to receive certification from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) within the five-year time frame.

Please read the full School Membership Policy for details.

Contact our Membership Manager

Amanda Fauver amanda@masslibsystem.org

Your process for joining the Mass. Library System will depend on whether your Library is a brand new or returning member. Our Membership Manager will guide you through this process.

Membership Contacts

Amanda Fauver
Membership Manager
508-357-2121 ext. 309
amanda@masslibsystem.org

Shirley MacLean
Member Services/Library Directory Updates
508 -357-2121 ext.130
smaclean@masslibsystem.org

Betsy Meaden
Business/HR Director
508-357-2121 ext. 119
betsy@masslibsystem.org

How to join the Mass. Library System

Benefits of Membership

About MLS

MLS is a state-funded, private nonprofit organization that serves roughly 1,600 libraries of all types in Massachusetts. MLS receives state funding in line 7000-9401 in the Massachusetts state budget. Visit the MLS website to learn more and to access all our services. Learn more about all library services in Massachusetts.

Training and Consulting Services

The Consulting and Training team at MLS provides a variety of face-to-face and virtual professional development opportunities as well as consulting on topics such as long-range planning, space planning, collection management and more. MLS consultants also coordinate the Summer Library Program in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).

Databases and eBooks

Massachusetts Library System provides training and support for the statewide databases program in partnership with MBLC. Visit the databases support site to learn more, see upcoming training or access the help desk. MLS also supports statewide eBook efforts. Currently, MLS supports access to OverDrive in partnership with MBLC and the automated resource sharing networks. Learn more about ebooks.

View your library’s database links

Delivery, Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery

MLS provides a statewide courier service to 500+ libraries in Massachusetts. In addition, MLS provides mediated interlibrary loan services to most public libraries as well as some academic, school and special libraries. MLS also provides digital document delivery service via Boston Public Library. Learn more about:

Cooperative Purchasing

All MLS member are eligible to purchase library furniture, supplies and services on contract at the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium. MLS is currently working with MHEC to add electronic resources to the offerings! Learn more about cooperative purchasing.

BiblioTemps

MLS offers a unique library temporary staffing service to Massachusetts libraries. BiblioTemps handles clerical, paraprofessional and professional temporary staffing and can even handle interim director placements. Learn more about BiblioTemps.

MassCat

MLS offers a low-cost shared integrated library system to roughly 60 academic, school, special and small public libraries. Learn more about MassCat.