OUR COMMITMENT
A COMMITMENT TO LIBRARIES MEANS
A COMMITMENT TO YOU!
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
The combined purchasing power of the membership results in cost savings that could not be achieved by individual members. Value and fairness for the membership is accomplished by providing the flexibility of optional services beyond those mandated for membership.
Shared ILS
BCCLS provides a managed, state-of-the-art Integrated Library System (ILS) called Polaris. The BCCLS member libraries receive the following ILS services:
- Polaris ILS Solution (circulation, reporting, sharing)
- Two Full-Time ILS Administrators (manage and enhance ILS)
- Three Full-Time Catalogers (professionally cataloging the collection)
- Access to two bibliographic sources to support cataloging
Delivery
BCCLS handles the transportation of materials between member libraries to fulfill hold requests and return items to their home libraries.
Over 1 million hold requests are placed by BCCLS patrons on a yearly basis. Thousands of items from other member libraries are delivered each day to fulfill your hold requests. On average over 9,100 items are delivered by BCCLS Delivery each day!
Items Delivered Each Year
For Available Items
SHARED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The organization draws strength from its role as a professional association that provides peer expertise and support. This association function is essential in addressing the divergent needs of the individual members while staying focused on the goals and objectives of the organization as a whole.
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.
FOSTERING THE FORWARD-THINKING LIBRARY
BCCLS provides IT services and support available to all members that foster initiatives to facilitate a forward-thinking public library system.
Managed IT
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.