GLOSSARY Affiliate group a group that MLS works with to further our mission - generally affiliate groups have a library-centric mission of their own Co-op a purchasing cooperative, wherein MLS has negotiated purchasing discounts for our members’ benefit Databases a large, regularly updated collection of digitized information both scholoarly and popular works. MLS and the MBLC pay for annual subscriptions to select databases to make the content available to libraries and patrons Digital literacy refers to the ability to use electronic devices and the skills to locate, assess and use information found and retrieved using those devices Document Delivery a resource sharing service where journal and magazine articles are delivered electronically on request eBook any book available in an electronic format. It is worth noting that the delivery and access of an eBook can vary from a downloadable book with a limited borrowing period to a title accessed with an internet connection eContent materials (books, video, articles, music, etc.) accessed through electronic means ILS Integrated Library System - a computer based system which manages any combination of the following: circulation system, catalog, ordering system, cataloging system, serials management, etc. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) in terms of MLS services, a system by which materials not available through your network are requested (see Mediated ILL) MBI Massachusetts Broadband Institute - a statewide effort to provide fiber optic internet connections to rural areas of the Commonwealth (i.e. high speed access)
Massachusetts Library System
225 Cedar Hill St. Ste 229 Marlborough MA 01752
MBLC Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners - the official state agency that provides oversight and regulation as well as manages distribution of state and local funds designated for library use
4 Sandy Lane Whately, MA 01093
Mediated ILL in terms of MLS services, a system where libraries can request that their assigned loan center search nationally (and perhaps internationally) for borrowable copies of specific titles
Phone: 866-627-7228 Fax: 508-357-2121 www.masslibsystem.org
MHEC Massachusetts Higher Education Collaborative. The affiliate group which provides the extensive purchasing cooperative and related discounts to our members MLA Massachusetts Library Association - an affiliate group MLS Guides a collection of resources prepared and provided by MLS which centralized information on a given topic MSLA Massachusetts School Library Association - an affiliate group Multitype any type of library - public, school, academic or special Network in MLS speak - a consortia of libraries generally sharing an ILS, collections and resources OPAC Online Patron Accessible Catalog. Once upon a time, the card catalog, now generally web-based. Also called a PAC or a catalog Resource sharing an organized system by which libraries share collections, materials and knowledge WMLA Western Massachusetts Library Advocates - an affiliate group
Massachusetts Library System
225 Cedar Hill St. Ste 229 Marlborough MA 01752 4 Sandy Lane Whately, MA 01093
Phone: 866-627-7228 Fax: 508-357-2121 www.masslibsystem.org
