Public library systems coordinate with both school library systems and reference and research library resources systems as well as with other community-based organizations and governmental agencies in their areas. Other public library systems are funded almost entirely by State aid, sometimes augmented by a small amount of aid from counties, grants from the New York State Council on the Arts or others, and a small amount of Federal aid for specific projects. These supplementary funds vary, depending on local circumstances and the ability to write successful proposals. The systems operate under plans of service approved by the Commissioner of Education and fill functions designated by the law. New York State pioneered public library systems in the 1940's, 1950's, and early 1960's.
Boundaries follow county lines, and most include two or more counties.
They blanket the State. The number of members they serve varies from 14 to over 60. Public library systems have greatly increased the ability of their member libraries to provide services to the public over the years, both by extending the value of local funds through greater cost-effectiveness and by increasing their access to the resources available in other libraries or on the Internet. They have also provided training for untrained library staff in very small communities, and consultant services on all levels. A very significant contribution which public library systems make is their service, to the otherwise unserved.