Illinois library systems provide important services to the multi-type libraries they serve. With the fiscal challenges facing Illinois projected to continue, mergers and consolidation of services will certainly occur. Library systems have not had a budget increase in more than 20 years, and this year they received a 16.5%budget cut. Announcements from several regional system agencies note they have reduced member services due to the on-going uncertainty and delay of state funding. The state’s current 6-month reimbursement delays will likely continue for the next three - four years. Consulting, CE, marketing, advocacy, grant development, and human resources support are being reduced or eliminated. System agencies were directed to work toward a single statewide library services organization with a single Delivery service and a combined statewide LLSAP.
As a librarian who embraces change, I hope that we will all emerge stronger, unified, and with increased communication and collaboration. As opportunities arise during this time of great change and transition, leaders will need to think synergistically to develop a new service model for library systems. And please, let's not call them systems. We can do better than that!
As we move towards a new model we may stumble, but the ultimate goal is to be positive participants in the necessary planning for a shared "system" future. I desire this for all of the citizens who rely on Illinois libraries and for the many librarians and staff who diligently work on their behalf, and have done so with valuable support from system agencies.
To the many wonderful people who have provided leadership at system agencies:
Thank you for your dedication to Illinois libraries.
Your talents for advocacy, staff training and professional development, board guidance, legislation, grant development, marketing initiatives, and a host of other services too numerous to list, will be greatly missed.
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