Get to Know MSL's Programs

The Montana State Library provides leadership and guidance to libraries in order to improve programs, services, and facilities.

MSL provides consulting services, continuing education opportunities, and learning programs for library employees across Montana. These resources, training sessions, and professional development opportunities help library staff meet the needs of their patrons and create thriving opportunities for their communities.

The Montana History Portal supports the creation of, and provides free access to, digital collections of items relating to Montana’s cultural heritage and government. Libraries, museums, local government agencies, and historical societies across Montana contribute content to the website.

MontanaLibrary2Go is an online service that offers registered library patrons of participating libraries free access to a collection of contemporary, classic, and bestseller audiobooks, e-books, and magazines. These books check out just like a physical book or audio CD, except that users can check them out at any time, from anywhere – an online library “to go.” Registered library patrons can download the books to their electronic devices or computers, or they can read or listen to books in an online browser.

The Montana Shared Catalog (MSC) is a consortium of multi-type libraries and branches across Montana, allowing libraries to share an online catalog and system administrator staff. The libraries that enjoy the greatest benefit from MSC membership also participate in sharing groups in which library patrons can seamlessly place holds on items from dozens of libraries around the state and pick up the item soon afterward. This program is made cost-effective through the use of a courier service, in which crates of items are delivered from library to library.