The cooperative system, the most common, is established by direct action of independent local libraries. The local library trustees elect a system board of trustees to direct and control the system. These trustees then establish a headquarters unit and designate a central library. A variety of services is provided by the system to the local libraries. Cooperative systems were established under 1958 laws authorizing the organization of such systems.
Most public libraries receive the bulk of their support from local taxes and endowments.
Today, local libraries also receive cash grants, books, and services from their Systems, which act as a conduit for state aid. A formula was established for system support in 1966, which takes into account population, area served, and local initiative. Running a library is not just a matter of putting a few books on the shelves and then hanging a sign on the door. Good service requires a lot of time, effort, and professional skill. Books, records, tapes, films, and all the other media of the modern library must be carefully selected so the collection grows in scope as well as size.