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 receiveTechnology 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 privy 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.