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The most recent legislative session brought good news for Massachusetts libraries. The budgets for regional library systems were increased by $250,000. This resulted in an increase of 2.95 percent for NMRLS. Our new annual budget is $1,550,802. Several other lines in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners budget were increased, including funding for library technology and resource sharing which will also benefit NMRLS.

The NMRLS Budget Committee met in July to review a draft budget revision for FY2006. Included in the draft is funding that allows NMRLS to continue licenses for online databases in FY2006 with one exception: SIRS Discoverer was provided in FY2005 by special arrangement and we were not able to budget for its renewal. In addition, the budget proposes to restore some funding that was eliminated when our budget was reduced in 2003; i.e., the net lender reimbursement program; and to eliminate shipping charges for the return of mediated interlibrary loan items. Also proposed was one time funding to assist member libraries in the implementation of a program to provide downloadable audio books. (see related story) This budget revision will be voted on by the NMRLS Executive Board at its September 15th meeting.

Other noteworthy budget increases were made to the following line items:

  • Board of Library Commissioners Administrative Account increased to fund the long-vacant position of Deputy Director/Head of Library Development
  • The Worcester Talking Book Library and Talking Book Library at Perkins were both increased
  • State Aid To Public Libraries was increased by $500,000 for FY06 and a total of 65 waivers of the municipal appropriation requirement

Budget language directs the MBLC to award temporary certification to the municipalities of Lynn and Beverly for FY2006 State Aid to Public Libraries. Also budget language directs municipalities of Lynn and Beverly to show successful compliance of the FY2006 State Aid to Public Libraries grant program to retain certification and receive a state aid grant.