Shared Integrated Library System Cost Study

With 82% of Wisconsin's 387 public libraries now in shared integrated library systems (ILS), questions have been asked concerning the cost of maintaining such systems. The questions are most often asked from a purely budget perspective, but such questions also have been asked in relation to cost allocation, the size of shared ILS, and their governance. Issues of cost have also been the subject of discussion by the LSTA Advisory Committee. (Over the past five years the division has awarded $1.3 million in LSTA funds to help pay start-up costs for public libraries to join shared systems.) To help answer these questions, the LSTA Advisory Committee has allocated $45,000 in LSTA funds to enable the Division to work with an outside consultant to conduct a study of shared integrated library systems in the state's public libraries.

For more information on the study see the following:

arrow right January-February 2006 Channel article. This article has more background information on the study and some preliminary findings.

arrow right Slides from the WAPL Program. These slides are from the May 4, 2006 WAPL program on the study. (The slides include the update on the Interloan and Resource Sharing procurement.)

arrow right Final report. This is the final report (1.5MB PDF) issued in September 2006. The appendicies will be posted at a later date.

If you have any questions on this study, please contact:

Bob Bocher, Technology Consultant
Public Library Development Team
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
608-266-2127, fax 608-266-2529 — robert.bocher@dpi.wi.gov

October 2006 updated

For questions about this information, contact Robert F. Bocher (608) 266-2127

Last updated on 2/25/2008 12:49:26 PM