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Rolling Prairie Library System

Rolling Prairie Library System (RPLS) is one of 10 library systems in Illinois. RPLS began in 1965 and is a multi-type library cooperative serving 264 libraries. The members are 9 academic, 46 public, 46 school districts (151 buildings) and 21 special libraries in Christian, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Effingham, Logan, Macon, Mason, Menard, Moultrie, Piatt, Sangamon and Shelby counties.

Rolling Prairie Library System is located at 345 W. Eldorado Street, Decatur, IL 62522. Its hours of operation are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday. The phone number is (217) 429-2586. The fax number is (217) 428-1852.

RPLS MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Rolling Prairie Library System is to enable its member libraries to maximize the scope and quality of their services.

RPLS RESOURCE SHARING

• Interlibrary Loan - Library-to-library borrowing of print and non-print materials not owned locally.
• Reference Service - RPLS assists libraries in the provision of quality reference service through a cooperative referral network. The System also manages a System listserv for posting reference questions and provides reference-related continuing education opportunities.
• Cooperative Collection Development - Assisting member libraries in planning and developing the purchase of materials to make collections complimentary to one another.
• Delivery Services - RPLS transports material on a daily basis between System headquarters and member libraries. RPLS cooperates in the statewide delivery network that delivers resource materials from other libraries outside of RPLS.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

• Automated Circulation & Resource Sharing - Member libraries may can participate in a shared Dynix Horizon database, housed at the System Center. The database consists of over 2 million items and is currently used on-line by 152 participating libraries (86 contracts).
• Serials of Illinois Online (SILO) - 112 member libraries contribute to the online union list of serials held by Illinois libraries.
• Reciprocal Borrowing - Public library patrons with resident or state-wide cards in one community can borrow directly from other public libraries within RPLS (Intersystem Reciprocal Borrowing). Almost all public libraries in the State participate in intersystem reciprocal borrowing (a public library patron in RPLS could borrow books from another public library outside of RPLS).
• Internet and Database Services - All RPLS member libraries can access such databases as ILLINET Online, SILC and FirstSearch through the Internet. Member libraries are eligible for OCLC services.
• Web Site - RPLS maintains a web site with information on RPLS services, staff, and member libraries, and also includes links to the Dynix Horizon database, First Search and member library web pages. The address www.rpls.ws is the home page of RPLS.

CONSULTING, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

• Consulting Services - Professionally trained staff provides advice and assistance on a wide variety of library issues. These include library development, expansion of tax supported public library service, grant writing, library standards, automation, technology and cooperative services.
• Continuing Education and Training Programs - Workshops are provided aid librarians and trustees in professional development. Computer training is provided on a variety of database search methods. The distance learning technologies of satellite videoconferencing and interactive videoconferencing are used to provide some of the Systems continuing education and training.
• Communications Network - RPLS provides for timely distribution of information to its members through newsletters such as Prairie News, Let's Get It All Together, Trustee Times, and General, RPLS_LLSAP, RPLS_Cat, RPLS_Acq and RPLS_YS listservs, and direct email to members on state and federal legislative information the impacts libraries. Direct communication between RPLS members is facilitated by the online directory of membership which lists the name of the member library, librarians  name, location, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and email addresses.

SUPPORT SERVICES

• Leadership - The RPLS staff prides itself on the quality and range of services provided member libraries. The headquarters staff works to identify special needs of the System and its membership and develop grant projects to meet these needs.
• Talking Books - For those persons who can not use conventional print, the System provides access to large print books and magazines, records, cassettes, and Braille materials. The Blind and Physically Handicapped Service is operated by the Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center, telephone number 1 800-426-0709.

LLSAP

Local Library System Automation Program

What is LLSAP?

LLSAP is a shared library automation system that is professionally managed by Rolling Prairie Library System. Participation increases local library staff productivity by providing automated cataloging, resource sharing, and circulation management services. It also makes information access easier for patrons. The LLSAP currently uses software from Dynix, Horizon, to manage automation of system resources.

The Benefits of LLSAP membership.

• Better Patron Service - The LLSAP database lists the complete holdings of 140 library buildings. That's a catalog of more than 2,200,000 individual items.
• Collection Management - Dynix Horizon database software and servers provide a central location for storing basic library information, such as patron data, circulation records, bibliographic and holdings information. Dynix Horizon database tracks circulation activity, compiles overdue notices, fine notices and bills and provides statistical reports on collection usage.
• Collection Development - Dynix Horizon database software helps to develop a unique collection by monitoring the growth of the holdings of your library and other libraries.
• Resource Sharing - You will be able to share the collections of other libraries easily. LLSAP participation eliminates the need for paper interlibrary loan requests between participating libraries. All materials can be ordered directly through the computer system.
• Increased Collection Utilization - Your patrons can search your library more easily and thoroughly. Patrons will know if materials are checked out, in process, or on the shelf.
• Easy Searching Commands - The database can be searched by author, title, subject or keyword. Searches can also be made with only fragments of terms and the screens are easy to read and self-explanatory.
• System and State Library Grant Support - RPLS provides many overhead expenses such as computer room personnel, insurance, and UPS monitoring, at no charge to participants. The Illinois State Library makes grant money available for upgrades.
• Public Access Catalog - Dynix Horizon database provides an easy-to-use Internet accessible and searchable catalog, available to your patrons from any Internet accessible computer 24/7.
• Circulation - The Dynix Horizon database can replace paper circulation files by keeping track of all collection information.

The Costs of LLSAP Membership.

• Initial costs - These include the purchase of a computer(s) and printer, and the provision of connectivity to the Dynix Horizon database server in Decatur.
• Ongoing costs - These costs include connectivity, a share of central site costs and local equipment maintenance. Central site costs are shared through proportionate billing for a computer development fund. The fund is also used to finance equipment and software upgrades. To determine your actual costs you will need to discuss your library's needs with the LLSAP Manager.

RPLS LLSAP Member List