The local libraries also provide Web site development and support services for local organizations and businesses. Public library online services and Web sites have been around for years. It encompasses six counties lying to the north of Chicago. The region has 1.6 million people, living in dozens of medium and small communities. Because of suburban sprawl and today's lifestyles, the differences among these communities are blurred.
People often live in one town, work in another, and pursue leisure in still others.
This model transforms the local library into a regional information resource. People live and function in several communities, but there was no central point for information covering all of these communities. This reaffirms the role of the library as the resource for gathering and distributing local information. NSN began operations in 1995 with four participating local libraries. NSN AND NSLS NSN is the agent for a few programs that have to be carried out centrally.