Services for Librarians

Regional Systems of Cooperating Libraries

Regional systems of cooperating libraries were established in 1965 to improve existing library services and programs and to extend library services to areas where it was previously unavailable. Library membership and participation in systems has evolved to include libraries of all types. Each system is governed by a board of individuals who are appointed by local libraries (to represent their districts) and by boards of county commissioners (to represent Kansans who reside outside local public library districts). Under this guidance, systems develop and customize the range and depth of services provided. For more information, visit each system's website to the right

Regional system and state library staff maintain three publications to aid libraries in their work.  The Kansas Public Library Handbook provides answers to questions and relevant information for conducting library business.  The Kansas Public Library Standards help libraries evaluate their current operations and determine ways to improve programs, collections, and information access.   The Kansas Public Library Trustee Manuals provides a basic understanding of the laws, rules, and best practices of running a library.  Regional system consultants are available to answer questions you have about the topics covered in these publications.

The State Library collects statistics on regional systems that are published annually. Data on membership counts, income and expenditures, staffing, and state aid spending is provided in the reports.

Library Directories (SLK)

The state library maintains a searchable online database of libraries and a PDF directory of libraries.

Government Information (SLK)

In addition to providing library services to the legislative and executive branches of state government, the State Library staff are available to answer questions from the public about state government the legislative process. The agency staff develops research guides that are included under the Kansans section of the website. The State Library deposits government publications in select libraries and maintains an online repository of state documents, the Kansas Government Information Online Library (KGI).  The agency also is a Federal Depository library, along with seventeen other libraries in the state.

Talking Books Services (SLK)

As a regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Kansas Talking Books provides access to reading materials for users that have a visual impairment, physical impairment, or reading disability that prevents the reading of traditional print materials. Services include audio and braille books/serials by mail, Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) registration and support, registration for NFB Newsline, currency reader distribution, a summer reading program, quarterly book discussion groups, a youth reading club, in-house recording of local interest materials, and a service resource list for the program’s patrons.  The agency also partners with external organizations to provide outreach throughout the state.