Wisconsin Library Services FAQs
A survey of the Wisconsin library community in the spring 2007 indicated that there is some confusion about WiLS mission, services and relationships with other organizations - even among long time WiLS members. This FAQ is one method of raising the level of understanding.
What kinds of services does WiLS provide?
WiLS provides interlibrary loan service from the resources of the UW Madison and Wisconsin Historical Society. As part of this service WiLS facilitates agreements with Minitex and the British Library (BRI), provides information on ILL policies and issues through workshops and a newsletter and provides a back up reference service. WiLS is the training and support arm of OCLC for Wisconsin. WiLS also offers Cooperative Purchasing program for discounts on electronic databases and related products for libraries. In addition, WiLS coordinates and/or supports other consortial projects such as AskAway Virtual Reference, Wisconsin Heritage Online, and sponsors an annual conference on new information technology called WiLSWorld.
Is WiLS part of Reference & Loan and DPI/DLTCL?
- WiLS is NOT part of DPI; WiLS is an independent, member-based, not-for-profit organization.
- WiLS provides services to Members (any type of library or cultural heritage institution in Wisconsin can be a member) and is funded by Service fees paid by Members
- The WiLS mission is to facilitate library cooperation and resource sharing
- The WiLS Vision:
- To be a catalyst for innovative projects that expand individual member resources through cooperative ventures and programming
- To advocate for library services to enhance collaboration and keep libraries relevant in the electronic information world
- To embrace an ever-wider segment of the Wisconsin library community through leadership, strategic partnerships and communication.
Is there a relationship between WiLS and Reference & Loan/DLTCL?
DLTCL contracts with WiLS to provide access to the resources of UW Madison and Wisconsin Historical Society for interlibrary loan. That is, DLTCL pays the WiLS ILL fees for public and school libraries up to the level of the annual contract funding. (see WiLS ILL)
What is the relationship between WiLS and OCLC?
WiLS has a contractual business relationship with OCLC. Under this agreement WiLS provides training, support and marketing of OCLC products and services for Wisconsin libraries. No WiLS employees are paid by OCLC; however, OCLC does pay WiLS a commission on selected reference products. (see WiLS OCLC)
Does UW Madison govern WiLS?
WiLS is governed by a twelve member Board elected by the WiLS member libraries. WiLS is located in the Memorial Library at UW Madison under a contract with the campus. (see WiLS Board)
Who are the WiLS members?
Any library or cultural heritage institution, small or large, can be a WiLS member. As of 6/30/2007 WiLS members include: 67 Academic, 20 Special libraries, 228 public and public library systems, and 244 schools and school districts. Many of the public libraries are members through a group membership through their Public Library System. (see member list)