ARIS Survey Certification Construction Continuing Ed. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is pleased to announce that it has awarded major grants to two of the state's ten automated library networks under the federal Library Services and Technology Act. Many thousands of Massachusetts residents throughout the state depend on automated resource sharing networks for access to vital library information, including online computer catalogs, and access to their library's collections and those of other network member libraries. Through them, residents can locate and reserve books, utilize community information and referral files, gain access to magazine and journal indexes, and locate a wealth of resources provided through the Internet.
Residents can then check their records, renew and request items directly via the Internet.
New software will offer greater reliability and management and allow several new members to join the network as a result of the upgrade. Library users will now have a much larger collection of materials to draw from, plus additional Internet resources. The expansion of the network's capabilities will also allow new members to join, including a number of school libraries. LSTA funds are appropriated by Congress and the president in order to stimulate excellence in library service and promote access to learning and information resources for all individuals. LSTA is administered at the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.