The Indianhead Federated Library System (IFLS) is a state-funded agency established under Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes to provide services to its 55 members and to insure that all area residents have access to public libraries. County Board Chairs appoint the 20-person board, which governs IFLS. IFLS members include 53 independent public libraries and 3 county library services in 10 west central Wisconsin counties.
Resource sharing services provided by IFLS include support for shared automated systems, Internet access, a telecommunications Wide Area Network, delivery service, and a regional interlibrary loan clearinghouse. Other services include continuing education and consulting for library staff, technology support, discounts or coordinating orders of library materials and supplies and a library books by mail program for people who can’t leave their residence without assistance.
Some of the things IFLS does for libraries
- Answers questions about managing a library.
- Explains legislation and statutory requirements affecting libraries.
- Helps librarians effectively use technology.
- Coordinates the Interlibrary Loan and delivery programs, which allow libraries to borrow materials from each other.
- Assists libraries with marketing their services to the community.
- Helps libraries reach and serve target audiences, such as children, teens, seniors, and people with special accessibility needs.
- Offers workshops for librarians and trustees.
- Maintains an online library directory.
- Develops and hosts library web sites.
- Supplements local services with the Library Books-By-Mail program for people who have difficulty getting to a library.
Member libraries:
- 53 public libraries
- 2 county library services
Affiliate libraries:
- 165 public and parochial school libraries
- 11 University/technical college libraries
- 11 corporate/special libraries
- Many church libraries