Member Libraries | Map | Interlibrary Loan | Blog
BCLS Staff | Bylaws | Continuing Education
Library Links | Calendar |Orientation| Newsletter

Best Practices Wiki | Live Homework Help

Learning Express Library

    Online tutoring        Practice tests/tutorials

The Big Country Library System (BCLS) is one of 10 regional systems comprising the Texas State Library System, a cooperative program designed to help meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of Texas. Since no library has all the resources necessary to meet all the needs of all the people, only a cooperative effort can assure Texans access to needed library materials and services. Funding for the Texas State Library System comes from state and federal sources through the Texas Library Systems Act and the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

The Big Country Library System, headquartered in the Abilene Public Library, serves the libraries within the 32 county area of the Big Country. The Big Country Library System:

• is geographically the largest system in Texas (34,127 sq. miles). BCLS is larger than 10 states, the largest of which is South Carolina;
• is the second smallest in population with 466,695 people (an average of 13.68 persons per square mile);
• contains 43 public libraries;
• has 38 libraries serving populations of less than 10,000;
• has 29 libraries serving populations of less than 5000;
• has 3 libraries serving populations of more than 25,000;
• has 2 libraries serving populations of more than 100,000.

For system membership, a public library must meet certain criteria in the areas of collection size, per capita tax support, staffing, and hours of service. Each member library selects a local citizen as a representative to the System. The lay representatives select, from among themselves, the members of the Advisory Council. The Advisory Council of BCLS is responsible for deciding what services and benefits BCLS offers.

Services Available to All Libraries:
• Consulting: professional assistance with budgeting, materials selection, cataloging, grant-writing, etc.
• Continuing Education: library skills training through special workshops
• Technology Assistance
• Interlibrary Loan
• System newsletter

In addition, BCLS member libraries receive:
• A voice in planning system programs and services
• Eligibility for Lone Star Libraries award
• TexShare databases

202 Cedar Street, Abilene TX 79601-5793
(325) 676-6021
Fax: (325) 676-6028
E-mail: john.pecoraro@abilenetx.com