Metrowest Mass. Regional Library System

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Why become a member?

Membership is available to any Metrowest region library that meets the basic requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. There is no fee for membership.

Our Membership is comprised of:

• 28   Academic Libraries
• 38   Public Libraries
• 245  School Libraries
• 50   Special Libraries
  

  361  Total Members

Metrowest strives to be responsive to the needs of its members. Services provided include access to a number of on-line databases, supplemental reference assistance, interlibrary loan, staff development and continuing education, a material and supply cooperative, and delivery of books and other library materials. For more details see Services for Metrowest Regional Library System Members.

Additional services for member libraries of the Regional Library System are provided by the Boston Public Library. Those services include Supplemental Reference assistance for requests that are beyond the available resources of the regional reference center at the Newton Free Public Library. In addition the Boston Public Library will assist in citation verification, interlibrary loan support, journal document delivery, and film and video advanced bookings.

Librarians are encouraged to participate in the region's discussion list. Subscribe at http://www.mmrls.org/about.htm. Select Subscribe to Metrowest Electronic Discussion List.

In addition, you may keep up to date with the developments of the Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System through the internet at www.mmrls.org.

Eligibility Requirements

Any public, academic, school, and special library within the Metrowest region will be eligible to participate as a member of the Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System upon meeting the following requirements:

• Be a part of an organization or institution that has a legal basis for operation.
• Have an organized collection of information and materials accessible for use by designated clientele.
• Have a fixed location.
• Have established and posted hours of service.
• Have an on-site, paid librarian-in-charge who meets Massachusetts education and certification requirements in effect for that type of library.
  • Each public school library must be staffed by a full or part time librarian meeting Massachusetts certification requirements as a school library media specialist.
  • Each non-public school library must be staffed by a full or part time librarian meeting Massachusetts certification requirements or possessing a Masters in Library Science degree.
• Have a written mission statement and service objectives.
• Have an established funding base.
• Be authorized to participate by its appropriate administrative authority.
• Agree to the terms and conditions of the Regional Library System Membership Agreement as established by the Board of Library Commissioners. This agreement shall include:
  • Certification by each member library that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements for participation
  • Agrees to participate in interlibrary loan activities within the Commonwealth in accordance with the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States
  • Agrees to provide data on the use of regional and statewide library materials and services.

Forms and further information

• The Membership Agreement form
  The membership agreement form must be signed by the librarian and by an individual authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the organization.


• Certification of Membership Eligibility form



• The American Library Association National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States;
  In becoming a member, a library agrees to participate in interlibrary loan activities within Massachusetts. Please note, however, that Section 3.2 in the code states that, "The supplying library determines whether the material can be provided."


• Other Metrowest Forms
  See a list of all our other forms.

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For questions or comments, contact us metroweb@mmrls.org

Copyright 2007 by Metrowest.

This page updated: April 17, 2008