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Wisconsin’s Library Systems
September 12, 2008 04:17 PM | GeneralAnn B. Hutton, Executive Director
Library systems are not a new concept nor are they unique to Minnesota. As John DeBacher, Public Library Administration Consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction describes, “The 17 regional Public Library Systems serve, by definition, public libraries, although all help to coordinate services and resource sharing among all types of libraries and most extend their continuing ed programs to staff of other libraries in their region. Wisconsin currently provides about $16 million in direct funding for the library systems.”
Mr. DeBacher has recently drafted a segment for a new online resource entitled, Administrative Essentials: A Handbook for Public Library Directors, copyright 2008, which offers details about Wisconsin’s library systems including system benefits, history, library and county membership requirements, and required system services. He includes a general statement on what constitutes a good system member, recommending each library should evaluate, participate, cooperate, and contribute. The Handbook is being created with assistance from an advisory panel.
