SELCO and SELS are proud to offer a wide range of support services designed to enrich and enhance libraries in Southeastern Minnesota. These services cover the needs for both the Horizon Libraries and other members.
  • Universal Services – those that all libraries in the region receive
  • Resource Sharing & Technology Services – those that only Horizon Libraries receive

Universal Services

SELCO is happy to provide a number of services that are of importance to all libraries in the region.
  • Continuing Education & Training – For libraries needing to keep up to date on technology, advocacy, reader’s advisory, or any other topic in the library world, SELCO provides both classes and workshops.
  • Library Support Services – SELCO offers consulting services to help member libraries on topics such as advocacy, marketing, library services, and technology.
  • Legacy Programs – As part of the Arts & Cultural Heritage Amendment, SELCO currently receives grant dollars to work on both region-wide and local initiative to preserve Minnesota’s cultural heritage or promote the arts.
  • Reading Programs – A core of library programming has always been reading programs, and SELCO works to cover the subject from early literacy, to summer reading, to adult reading. 
  • SELCO Library Foundation – A separate 501(c)(3) organization that provides a repository and stewardship for contributions made to libraries in southeastern Minnesota. 
  • Special Collections – SELCO hosts a number of kits and other programming materials for libraries to utilize for fast programming or just to change up their offerings.

Technology Services

When a member library decides to become automated, they become a Horizon Library. With this status, they are eligible to a number of services.
  • Internet & Computers – SELCO provides a range of services to help libraries manage their Internet connection and the computers used by both staff and patrons.
  • WordPress Library Blog – SELCO offers domain and site hosting services for Horizon Libraries to maintain their presence on the web.

Resource Sharing Services

SELCO offers Services to help Horizon Libraries share resources.
  • Integrated Library System – a database that allows members to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed materials.
  • Interlibrary Loan – policies and procedures that govern the sharing of materials between Horizon Libraries.
  • MINITEX – Access to statewide interlibrary loan is provided via MINITEX. Policies and procedures for statewide materials are maintained from the owning library in the state.
  • Delivery – SELCO is the node for physical material moving through the member libraries and currently provides this service with a contracted vendor and some in-house resources for sorting.
  • Online Discovery Catalog – the patron facing discovery system or catalog that patrons can find, request, renew items, and monitor their accounts independently. 
  • Mobile App – is the mobile version of the Discovery layer.
  • OverDrive – eBooks, audiobooks, and eMagazines are available for patron use on a browser or digital device.