Public library expands digitized services
SUPERIOR – The Mineral County Public Library announced that it now offers access to a collection of digitized historic and current Montana state government information through its own library catalog.
“We are delighted to be able to provide our patrons with unprecedented and immediate access to over 21,000 Montana state government publications through our very own library,” said Guna K. Chaberek, director of the library. “Our ability to provide digital access to this collection of material dating from the late 1800s presents our patrons with the immediate ability to locate information that was previously difficult or impossible for them to access.”
PDF files of state publications may be viewed online, downloaded, saved, or printed.
“By providing access to state publications through its online catalog, the Mineral County Public Library is providing a new level of service to its patrons,” said Jennie Stapp, Montana state librarian. “This unprecedented access gives new meaning to the term ‘open government’ by making available Montana state government to Montanans via their local library.”
Some of the materials that are now accessible to the general public include: state agency annual reports, employee statistics, historic Montana promotional material, environmental impact statements, newsletters, natural resource maps, and more.
“It is an exciting time in libraries,” Stapp said. “Technology allows us to serve patrons in ways that just a few years ago were completely unimaginable. We can now provide any library in the state access to our collection for use by their patrons. This will save Montanans time, money, and effort and help move the business of state government forward more quickly.”
The number of state government information items available to patrons via the online catalog will grow continuously as more and more state publications are digitized or added to the Montana State Library’s collection in digital format.
To access these documents, please visit the Mineral County Public Library. Library patrons can also search the Mineral County Public Library’s catalog online from home. Full access to sate government information is provided online at www.mineralcountylibrary.org.
The Mineral County Public Library is located at 301 2nd Avenue East, Superior and is open to patrons from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.