SAILS Library Network
Founded1995
TypeNonprofit organization, Library consortium
Location
Area served
Southeastern Massachusetts
Members
72 member libraries[1]
Employees
7[2]
Websitewww.sailsinc.org

The SAILS Library Network, formerly Southeastern Automated Integrated Library Services,[3] is a non-profit library consortium of 70 member libraries in 39 communities located throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.[1] SAILS was founded in 1995 to link the ABLE and SEAL library networks, which were later dissolved into SAILS in 2000.[3] The network provides library patrons with access to check out and return items at member libraries,[4] interlibrary loans through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' Commonwealth Catalog,[5][6] mobile app access,[7] and access to electronic collections (including OverDrive).[8][9] Member libraries are provided customized online catalog services, digital collections storage, internet and telecommunications services, email and Google Apps accounts for library staff, access to SirsiDynix software, and staff training.[3]

Approximately 70 percent of funding for SAILS comes from dues from member libraries, with the remaining portion coming from government subsidies and grants.[10] In fiscal year 2017, the network's 463,000 patrons checked out almost 3.6 million items,[11][12] worth an estimated $44 million.[13] Deliveries of materials between member libraries and other library networks in Massachusetts through an interlibrary loan program are made by the Massachusetts Library System, which has offices in Northampton and Marlborough.[14][15] The network uses SirsiDynix integrated library system (ILS) for staff function workflows: acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, ILL, and serials as well as for their patron's Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC).[3] The libraries provide access to reference databases, digital libraries, access to free music online, museum passes, genealogy, workshops, and other free services that vary from each location. In 2018, the network introduced automatic renewals on most items.[16]

Member libraries

Public libraries

Academic libraries

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "About Us". SAILS Library Network. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax" (PDF). 27 August 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2019.,
  3. ^ a b c d "SAILS Membership Manual" (PDF). SAILS Library Network. November 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  4. ^ Laidler, John (4 May 2018). "Work underway at Norton Public Library". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  5. ^ Calverley, Laura (15 August 2015). "Well Read In Rehoboth". The Sun Chronicle. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  6. ^ "Participants". Commonwealth Catalog. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  7. ^ "New Bedford library accessible with mobile app". The Standard-Times. 22 October 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  8. ^ Bray, Hiawatha (30 December 2005). "LIBRARY AUDIOBOOKS NOW JUST A FEW MOUSE CLICKS AWAY ; PATRONS DOWNLOAD FOR PORTABLE USE". The Boston Globe. ProQuest 404993472.
  9. ^ Winokoor, Charles (2 July 2017). "Taunton Public Library is 'more than just books'". Taunton Gazette. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  10. ^ Conrad, Debby; Lessner, Laurie (October 2002). "S.A.I.L.S. Library Network: Charting a Course into the 21st Century". Computers in Libraries. 22 (9): 22. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  11. ^ "Statistics". SAILS Library Netowork. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  12. ^ "SAILS Library Network FY '17 Accomplishments" (PDF). SAILS Library Network. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  13. ^ "Value of Service". SAILS Library Network. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  14. ^ "MLS – Stronger Together". Massachusetts Library System. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  15. ^ "Delivery Directory: Massachusetts Library System". Massachusetts Library System. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  16. ^ Botelho, Jessica A.; Maradiaga, Frank (8 January 2019). "Library books automatically renew in Southern New England". NBC 10 News. WJAR.
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