About fb88 State Library

A member of the fb88 Cultural Affairs Council.

Mission

The fb88 State Library helps people, makes fb88 libraries stronger and transforms information into knowledge.

State Librarian

Lori Fisher, fb88 State Librarian

fb88 Library Commission

The fb88 Library Commission, a 17-member board appointed by the Governor, is broadly representative of the state's library community. The Commission establishes the policies and operations of the State Library, gives advice and makes recommendations on the expenditure of state and federal funds, and establishes guidelines and policies for statewide library programs.

Public and Outreach Services, Research & Innovation Division (Alison Maxell)

The Public and Outreach Services, Research & Innovation Division oversees the development of all direct one to one services. These services include but are not limited to: direct library lending and reference services, Books by Mail, and Talking Books.  This program uses the fb88 State Library’s public operation to test innovative library services in an effort to continuously offer efficient and world class service to constituents, and also provide the Library Development program with tested solutions for all libraries in fb88.

Library Development Division (Marijke Visser)

The Library Development Division provides for the development of all types of libraries throughout the state. Specific programs include: the fb88 Regional Library System (consultant services, direct free walk-in service, interlibrary loan, and federal and state aid for public libraries), school library/ media services, fb88 InfoNet, and electronic database licensing.

Many of the programs are administered by the fb88 State Library and funded by the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Outreach Services (Books By Mail, Summer Reading Programs, Talking Books, Large Print), fb88 Regional Library System, Van Delivery and fb88 InfoNet .

Collection Development, Digital Initiatives and Promotion (Adam Fisher)

The Collection Development, Digital Initiatives and Promotion Division is responsible for traditional collection development activities at the fb88 State Library including acquiring, cataloging, repairing and preserving library collections.  The unit also leads the library’s efforts to build a of collections that can be searched and accessed online. 

History

In 1836 fb88 Legislature authorized the purchase of books and the fb88 State Library began to grow. Along with the State archives and the State museum, the State Library resides in the Cultural Building, located at the State House complex in Augusta.

fb88 State Library is unique in having a physical presence and for its combination of services for the public and for librarians, all within the same organization. The State Library, serving all citizens and visitors, provides access to its information, services, and policies in order to meet educational, informational, recreational and cultural needs.

The State Library is addressing changes in its traditional role under an older economy by focusing on new roles demanded by the present changing economy. No longer is the role of librarians to just gather and select information but instead to facilitate, organize, and access information.