Words to Know

ASPeN: Access to Services, Programs, and eNetworks.

This product provides a variety of services for Montana's library community. Members of the public can search ASPeN to find a nearby library or learn more about their local library. ASPeN users will be able to update their library's information, enroll in certain services, keep track of their continuing education, and complete paperwork required by the Montana State Library.

https://mslservices.mt.gov/aspen/

Continuing Education

Opportunities provided for personnel to improve and grow in their professions.

Learn more about MSL's Continuing Education program.

Core Service Committee

The Network Advisory Council has core services committees that are tasked with evaluation of programs and services and making recommendations about future services.

• Cultural Resources Committee
• E-Resources Committee
• Programming Committee
• Resource Sharing Committee
• Technology Committee

The person on staff to whom the library director has given administrative permissions to make updates to ASPeN on behalf of the library.

The topmost person in charge of running a library or organization

This is where users can look for upcoming events, recordings from past events, and register for sessions for CE Credit.

Federations receive funding through the Coal Severance Tax monies that the state receives. This money is divided amongst federations using a formula that is based upon population and evenly dividing the funding. ARM 10.102.5102 gives the specific formula.

Montana is divided up into six regions. Libraries within those regions have formed a federation. It's a formal and informal way to network and improve library services in Montana. The six federations are:

• Broad Valleys
• Golden Plains
• Pathfinder
• Sagebrush
• South Central
• Tamarack

Fiscal Year

An electronic help system to track the questions and problems submitted by help seekers in need of assistance with programs and services. 

Interlibrary Loan

• WorldShare Interlibrary Loan – OCLC WorldShare® Interlibrary Loan is a new service that replaces WorldCat Resource Sharing, as part of libraries’ existing subscriptions. The service centralizes workflows and provides functionality that speeds fulfillment of interlibrary loan requests to save time for library staff and library users.