Services

The philosophy behind library systems in Wisconsin is to improve library service by strengthening local libraries.  WRLS’ primary clients are the public librarians of the region.  By assisting the librarians, we expect to enhance library services for every resident.

AdministrationWRLS provides administrative services to assure that all contracts and agreements are maintained and that all members meet necessary requirements so that their sharing in the System’s benefits is not jeopardized.  WRLS administrators will represent the membership at state meetings and conferences, and carry news back to the members. Consultant ServicesWRLS provides professional staff with expertise in various areas to act as consultants to System members.  Consultants will address questions relating to state requirements and issues, grant writing and implementation, collection development, building and space planning, public relations, library standards and operations, website development programming and continuing education.  As with other services, members are not charged for consultant services.
Continuing EducationWRLS develops a variety of workshops each year for librarians and trustees.  These workshops deal with current issues in librarianship as well as methods for serving library users more effectively.  The workshops also help public librarians meet the requirements for state certification. DeliveryWRLS provides regular delivery stops to all our member libraries.  These stops allow library materials to move quickly and efficiently between libraries in our region, to fill requests made by library users.  WRLS also provides a connection to the statewide delivery service to facilitate sharing with other libraries in Wisconsin and neighboring states.  The costs for both local and statewide delivery are paid by WRLS.
Electronic ResourcesWRLS is a member of the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC), providing access to a variety of eResources, including:

In 2010, WRLS purchased access to the genealogical database, Ancestry.com, for all WRLS members.  Full access to Ancestry.com is available in member library buildings, not remotely.

 Interlibrary LoanWRLS employs staff with expertise in the interlibrary loan proces to help members with difficult request and hard to borrow items.  Staff is available to answer questions, help with problems, and provide training to support the interlibrary loan programs of our member libraries.  WRLS also serves as a liasion with the state library agency that oversees the Wisconsin interlibrary loan program.
Professional CollectionA small library professional collection is housed in the WRLS office area and is available for browsing in person or can be accessed remotely via the WRLSWEB catalog.  The collection addresses a variety of topics related to libraries, information studies and technology.  Members are encouraged to make purchase suggestions. Special NeedsWRLS provides resource materials: professional journals and titles on providing outreach services and services to persons with disabilities.  WRLS offers continuing education sessions featuring special needs services topics and the opportunity to participate in multiple-library grant projects.

WRLS offers individualized research and consulting assistance to libraries on special needs questions and issues including:  Americans with Disabilities Act information, building and program accessibility, grant writing assistance, and program and policy evaluation.
System Borrowers’ CardsIn order to facilitate use of any library in the System area, WRLS provides each library the opportunity to issue WRLS library cards to all of their users.  WRLS provides registration forms and library cards to the libraries at no cost.  The WRLS library card allows the holder to use any library in Wisconsin participating in a library system.  WRLS negotiates and oversees contracts which allow this reciprocal borrowing. Technical SupportStaff provide assistance and advice for members to help keep library computers and other technology functioning and up-to-date.    WRLS also organizes cooperative ordering of software and hardware for the best prices.
WRLSWEBWRLSWEB is our shared library catalog listing materials located at many libraries throughout the seven county Winding Rivers Library System.

Use any computer catalog at a WRLSWEB member library to …

  • Access materials from more than 30 area public libraries.
  • Request any of the circulating items listed on this shared catalog regardless of the location.
  • Receive the requested items within a week if they are listed as “checked in.”
  • Return these library materials to any of the libraries in the Winding Rivers Library System.
 Youth ServicesYouth Services  consulting provides  materials for loan (themed story bags and character costumes) and resource materials (professional journals and titles on providing services to babies, preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens).  WRLS coordinates the distribution of materials for the Cooperative Summer Library Program (CSLP) and by provides continuing education sessions featuring youth services topics.

WRLS offers individualized research and consulting assistance to libraries on youth services questions and issues including collection development and weeding, grant writing assistance, program and policy evaluation, and space evaluation.