[May 11, 2007] Having operated for more than 20 years as Cooperating Libraries Automated Network, or CLAN, the organization recently changed its name and logo to Ocean State Libraries. Ocean State Libraries serves the public through one library card that allows the holder to access materials from any member library across the state and by providing internet access for all its member libraries. This consortium of 49 public libraries and one school library was built on the premise that sharing resources best serves the residents of Rhode Island.

Ocean State Libraries patrons can receive services at 73 locations statewide. Materials are transported through a state wide delivery system provided by the RI Office of Library and Information Services, and therefore can be picked up at any member library and returned to the same member location, or any other. The Ocean State Libraries card allows patrons of any member library to be patrons of all the member libraries.

Membership in the consortium expands the range of materials available at all public libraries. Regina Slezak, director of the Newport Public Library, says “Our membership in Ocean State Libraries is essential to our being able to provide the public with the access to library materials and the internet that they have come to expect.” Anyone who does not have a library card should stop by their local public library and get one today so they can share in the services provided by the Ocean State Libraries.

• The 49 library systems in Ocean State Libraries offer access to a combined total of 4.4 million items
• Over 6.9 million items per year are borrowed by patrons from member libraries
• There are over 450,000 registered Ocean State Libraries library card holders
• More than 1.5 million items are sent annually through the state-wide interlibrary loan system by Ocean State Libraries members.