[October 21, 2009] On October 1, NELINET officially became part of LYRASIS, the nation’s largest regional membership organization serving libraries and information professionals. LYRASIS was created in April 2009 by the merger of PALINET and SOLINET and provides opportunities for networking and collaboration, innovative solutions, and significant cost savings through group purchasing for products and services. 

The Office of Library and Information Services has been a long standing member of NELINET and will retain its status as a consortial member of LYRASIS. We are excited about the new opportunities this brings for Rhode Island libraries and for the library profession. As a LYRASIS member, OLIS is part of a collaborative of librarians and information professionals at more than 4,000 diverse institutions in 22 states throughout New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeastern U.S.

OLIS looks forward to taking advantage of the expanded programs and services that are available to New England libraries and cultural institutions. LYRASIS, in turn, will be enriched by the programs, collections, and long history of innovation that have been the hallmark of NELINET. OLIS will continue to have ongoing uninterrupted access to all of the current programs and services that were previously available through NELINET, including the expertise, dedication, and creativity of the NELINET staff. LORI Libraries will continue to be consortial associates through OLIS' consortial membership.

LYRASIS prides itself on its commitment to the local touch. The organization will continue personal member visits, participate in state and local conferences, and support programs in each state, each consortium, and within library communities. The Southborough office location will be maintained with Connie Massey serving as Director of Regional Services - New England. Many NELINET staff members will continue to play key roles in providing services and resources to LYRASIS members. Arnold Hirshon is now LYRASIS' Chief Strategist and Executive Consultant and Susan Abell is LYRASIS' new Director of Innovation and Performance. In addition, three new Board members from the New England region will be added to the LYRASIS Board of Trustees.

For more information and for helpful transition guidelines, please visit the LYRASIS website and click on the NELINET button.

For information about participating in LYRASIS Continuing Education courses or seminars as an OLIS consortial associate, please contact Karen Mellor at OLIS .