Quick Reference: MSL Terms, Acronyms, and Lingo

Online Public Access Catalog

Automated catalog providing patron access through computers. See also PAC.

One Time Only 

A phrase used when the legislature or Governor's budget office agrees to fund a program or service for one year or one biennium only. A new request would have to be filed to get funding beyond the one year.

Public Library Survey (PLS)

The Montana State Library Public Library Annual Statistical Report, also referred to as the Public Libraries Survey (PLS), provides statistics on the status of public libraries in Montana. The submission is an essential standard as outlined in Administrative Rules of Montana 10.102.1150A Public Library Standards: General. These statistics are in turn submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), allowing peer comparisons between libraries of similar variables across the country. 

Data includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures and number of service outlets. These data are used by federal, state and local officials, professional associations, and local practitioners for planning, evaluation, and policy making. 

Public Land Survey System

Request for Proposal is a term used in soliciting official bids for goods and services.

Real Time Network

State Accounting, Budget, and Human Resource System

Senate Bill

Usually associated with a number and refers to a bill introduced in the Montana Senate.

Look up drafts, bills, and other information on the Montana Legislature webpage.