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It all starts with our member libraries! Being a member of the consortium provides access to other member collections, giving our patrons access to 5+ million items. Browse the stacks at one of our libraries or download the apps!
Bridging Communities, Connecting Library Services
EASY AS 1 - 2 - 3!
Discover the Power of BCCLS: Unlock a World of Library Resources within Our Connected Communities
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BCCLS provides a managed, state-of-the-art Integrated Library System (ILS) called Polaris. This system allows our patrons the ability to request an item from any of our member libraries.
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Once you request your item, BCCLS Delivery makes sure that you receive it as quickly as possible. Over 1 million hold requests are placed by BCCLS patrons on a yearly basis and over 9,100 items are delivered by BCCLS Delivery each day! When your item is available, you’ll receive it at your chosen library in about 2 days!
OUR COMMITMENT
We demonstrate our commitment to collaboration through cost-effective resource sharing, shared professional development, and the fostering of initiatives to facilitate a forward-thinking public library system.
COST-EFFECTIVE RESOURCE SHARING
Since 1987, BCCLS has been actively promoting resource sharing with an integrated library circulation and catalog system. Our commitment to our member libraries is further reflected through the implementation of an internal delivery system in 2019 that boasts a commendable 2-day turnaround time on available items.
THE BCCLS CATALOGS
Discover a world of reading and listening pleasure with the extensive range of books, music, e-books, and e-audiobooks available in the BCCLS catalogs. Whatever your interests or preferences, there's something for everyone to indulge in!
Download the apps today!
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BCCLS App
CHECK OUT OUR WORLD LANGUAGES COLLECTIONS
View the list of collections with 75 titles or more by language or by library!
SHARED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STRIVING FOR MORE!
BCCLS offers ample opportunities for our members to thrive in the library world. We offer scholarships through the BCCLS Scholarship Fund to potential MLS and MLIS candidates, as well as providing the BCCLS Want Ads for staff members to find job opportunities. Moreover, we provide our member libraries’ staff members with a variety of educational resources to enhance their skills.
EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
The process is competitive and applications are available on the BCCLS website early each year with interviews usually held in late March/early April and awards given in June. All library school students are encouraged to apply.
The Mary Joyce Doyle Scholarship initiative annually honors library school students with financial assistance to pursue their Master of Library and Information Science degree.
EMPLOYMENT
If you or someone you know is looking for employment within a library, take a moment to peruse the current listings on the BCCLS Want Ads or sign up to receive email notifications when new positions are posted.
TRAINING & CONTINUING EDUCATION
BCCLS provides a wide range of educational resources and opportunities for staff members of our member libraries including a comprehensive director on-boarding process, virtual meetings, webinars, and more.
Thrive within BCCLS!
Our shared database contains a wealth of educational materials to help library staff thrive in their roles. We emphasize the importance and the purpose of our committees and do our best to make it easy to participate in them, while also offering centralized training on mandated services for relevant staff. Additionally, we provide regular in-person and virtual training on the ILS to increase opportunities for circulation staff. Trustee members can also benefit from educational opportunities available year-round.
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FOSTERING THE FORWARD-THINKING LIBRARY
MANAGED IT
BCCLS provides IT services and support available to all members that foster initiatives to facilitate a forward-thinking public library system.
Among the services we provide to our members:
Computer Support
Network Security
Telecom Equipment
Managed WiFi
This cost-effective service encompasses over:
- 1,300 individual computers supported
- 84 data circuits managed
- 8,000 cyber-attacks dealt with per year
- 20 managed WiFi locations and growing
These products and support mean that our libraries better serve their patrons by ensuring that vital pieces of technology remain available, secure, and regularly updated by our in-house team.