About Us

The Metropolitan Library System is a membership-based organization serving academic, public, school, and special libraries in Chicago and in the suburban communities of Cook, DuPage and Will counties. Established in 1966, MLS provides the leadership and resources necessary for our member libraries to succeed in their individual missions. MLS collaborates with the Illinois State Library, other library systems, and local libraries to create a seamless statewide network of information and resources for the people of Illinois.

Funding for Illinois Library Systems is provided through the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State with funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

Annual Report

Every year, all Illinois regional library systems are required to submit an annual report to the Illinois State Library. Included in the report are the following items:

• FY2009 Annual Report
  • Significant Accomplishments (pdf)
  • Challenges the System Faced (pdf)
  • Description of Inter-System Cooperative Programs & Services (pdf)
  • Significant Changes in System Services (pdf)
  • Report of Changes in Membership (pdf)
  • Summary of System Membership (pdf)
  • Delivery (pdf)
  • Member Site Visits (pdf)
  • LLSAP (SWAN) (pdf)
    
    
• FY2009 Audits
  • FY2009 MLS Audit (pdf)
  • FY2009 LIMRiCC Audit (pdf)

   

MLS Annual Meeting 2009

The MLS Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Tinley Park Public Library.

• MLS Difference/Guiding Values (pdf)
• Summary of MLS Budget presented by MLS Board Treasurer, Tom Read (pdf)
• Award Winners (pdf)

Strategic Plan - FY2010-FY2012

With information members have provided to MLS since the planning process began in spring 2008, MLS has completed strategic planning for FY2010-FY2012. Download the Feedback Summary to see what information members have provided to MLS since the planning process began in spring 2008.

• FY2010-FY2012 MLS Strategic Plan with Mission, Vision, and Guiding Values (pdf)

Strategic Plan - FY2007-FY2009

You can download the FY2007-FY2009 MLS Strategic Plan document. Please note that this is a large document (2.14MB) and may take some time to download.

MLS Policies

Blood Donation Leave Policy (view)

Contracts and Purchases Policy (view)

Employee Manual (view)

Investment Policy (view)

Meetings Via Electronic Means (view)

Purchasing Policy (view)

Reciprocal Access Policy (view)

Room Rental Policy (view)

Sick Leave Policy (view)

Travel and Expense Policy (view)

CE Fees, Reimbursements and Cancellation Policy (view)

Post-Offer Testing of Drivers Policy (view)