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New to Kansas Libraries
Are you new to Kansas libraries, or have you taken a new leadership role in your organization? Let us help you learn about or review the resources we have to help you best serve your community. This page is full of links and tutorials to help break down all of the information available.
If you still need help finding something or have questions, please reach out to your regional office or send us a message at kslc@ks.gov.
Courier Services - Kansas Library Express (KLE), the Kansas interlibrary courier service, provides library users with rapid and direct access to library resources. Kansas Library Express connects more than 350 libraries throughout Kansas with a convenient and cost effective delivery service that expands the ability of libraries to readily share their collections for the benefit of library users.
Digital Book Lending - The State Library of Kansas works with Kansas libraries to provide digital library books for all residents, which includes downloadable audiobooks and eBooks. Most require a Kansas Library eCard for use. You can find statistics on digital book usage here. Some vendors can provide local stats specific to your individual library/school.
Interlibrary Loan - Interlibrary loan (ILL) is the practice of sharing materials between libraries. Since individual libraries can't possibly purchase all the materials that their local users might need, ILL makes it possible to request those materials from other libraries.
Kansas Library eCard - This is the card that most Kansans need and can be obtained at any public, school, or academic library in Kansas. It provides access to digital materials available to all Kansas residents (ebooks/audiobooks, research databases). It is not so much a "card" as it is a login for online materials. If you need the credentials for you Library to issue , renew or create cards, fill out this form.
Kansas Public Library Handbook - This is a guide for librarians, trustees and friends of Kansas public libraries to find answers to questions and relevant information for conducting library business.
Listserv - Join email lists for current information, training and networking opportunities. Lists are oriented to specific areas of service (ie: school, public, academic)
Online Resources- The State Library of Kansas contracts with vendors to provide statewide access to database materials. Access to most resources is available without sign in through IP (internet protocol) authentication. If links are not working, they can be accessed by logging in with a Kansas Library eCard. You can find statistics on statewide database usage here. Some vendors can provide local stats specific to your individual library/school.
Other Library Organizations- These are some other helpful resources to explore.
- KLA - Kansas Library Association
- ALA - American Library Association
- SLIM - Emporia State University "School of Library and Information Management"
Regional Library Systems - Kansas regional library systems were established in 1965 as agents of support for local public libraries. The primary goals were, and remain, the improvement of existing library services and programs and the extension of library service to areas where it was previously unavailable. Each system has a Library Consultant that can be your go to resource.
State Library of Kansas
We have a physical library located on the 3rd floor of the State Capitol Building (Topeka, KS). We also have our digital collections that are available at no cost to all Kansas residents. The State Library has 3 major departments: Kansas Talking Books, Statewide Services, and Reference
- Kansas Talking Books provides access to reading materials for users that have a reading disability. These users may be vision impaired or have a physical challenge that provides a barrier to accessing traditional print materials. Learn more about Talking Books and how to help get services for applicable residents here.
- Statewide Services provides access to digital reading materials, databases and other learning tools.
- Reference provides research assistance on legislative questions and general inquiries for the public as well as librarians, state employees and legislators. We have a Ask A Librarian chat line available M-F 8-5 for anyone (Librarians and/or patrons) to use.
- We also have Technical Services staff in our reference department that catalog and digitize some of our collection for inclusion in our Kansas Government Information database (KGI).
Training and Continuing Education - Check the calendar for monthly opportunities to learn about Statewide Resources or attend webinars on library related topics. A list is compiled and sent on the KanLib listserv (see above) each month.
Have a suggestion for this page? Send us a message.
CIPA - The Kansas Children's Internet Protection Act (KS-CIPA) requires that any public library providing public access to computers shall implement and enforce technology protection measures. Library boards are required to review CIPA policies at a minimum of every 3 years and notify the State Library (simply provide the date mm/dd/yyyy) of review or adoption at KSLIB_ERATE@ks.gov
E-Rate - E-Rate is the common term for the Schools and Libraries Program administered by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company. The program, funded through contributions from telecommunications service providers to the Universal Service Fund, provides discounts to schools and libraries purchasing eligible internet access, telephone service, and internal connections.
Kansas Library Statutes, Chapter 12: Article 12 - This pertains to budgets and tax levies.
Kansas Public Library Standards - The Kansas Public Library Standards are intended to help libraries measure their current level of library service, and to help them improve programs, collections and information access. The standards are also meant to be used as a planning tool for future development in Kansas public libraries.
Kansas Public Library Manual - This manual is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of the laws, rules, and best practices involved in running a library. If you have specific questions about anything contained in this manual, or if you have questions about your role as a trustee that are not addressed, contact your regional system consultant(s) for assistance.
Public Library Survey - Annually, each Kansas Public Library completes the Public Library Survey and State Report. Data asked includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures and number of service outlets.
State Aid (Grants-In-Aid) - State Aid funding is appropriated by the Kansas Legislature to the State Library of Kansas. KSA 75-2553 et seq. The purpose of State Aid is to supplement, not replace, local libraries’ budgets. This requires a maintenance of effort. Completion of the annual KS Public Library Survey/State Report and a demonstrated Maintenance of Effort is required in order for a KS public library to be eligible to receive State Aid.