Get to Know MSL's Programs
Digital Library Services
The Digital Library collects and provides access to multiple types of information of interest to state employees, federal partners, and the citizens of Montana.
The Montana Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) is made up of 15 “framework” geographic databases vital for making maps of Montana and understanding its geography. MSDI datasets are generally accepted as the best available, standardized, statewide data that meet the essential, digital geographic information needs of Montana’s citizens, its government, commerce, legislature, area researchers, and more.
Established in 1985 by the Montana Legislature, the Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) was designed to simplify the task of identifying and acquiring natural resource information. NRIS’s mission is to make information on Montana’s natural resources easily and readily accessible.
The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) is the state’s source for reliable, objective information and expertise to support stewardship of our native species and habitats, emphasizing those of conservation concern. MTNHP strives to provide easy access to information in order for users to save time and money, speed environmental reviews, and inform decision making. The MTNHP manages information on native and non-native species and biological communities which can be accessed on the Montana Field Guide, Natural Heritage Map Viewer, Species Snapshot, and Species of Concern web pages and applications.
MSL provides research and professional development resources for state employees and contractors as well as for Montana library staff.
MSL makes a concerted effort to create citizen access to state publications to fulfill MCA § 22-1-212: "The state library shall administer a state publications depository library program to identify, acquire, catalog, preserve, and provide access to state publications."
Digitized publications are available via the Internet Archive and state web pages dating back to 1996 are archived at MT.GOV Connect.
The Talking Book program works with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled to provide free library services to Montanans who cannot read standard print due to a visual, physical, or reading disability.
The program aims to improve patron quality of life and offer ease of access to reading materials so that patrons have opportunity to educate themselves and become informed voters connected to society, make informed and healthy decisions to be productive in the workforce, and contribute to society.