Automated Catalog

Viking Library System offers an integrated online bibliographic database using Horizon software marketed by SirsiDynix. The system offers cataloging, circulation, acquisitions and public access modules. Each member library has a separate account so that policies and procedures can be determined by the local library board. Requests can be made for materials by anyone having a Viking Library System card and access to the website. The automation systems within the twelve regional public library systems form the basis for resource sharing between and among public libraries in Minnesota.

Bookmobile Services

Regional public library systems are charged first with extending public library service to all Minnesotans. The bookmobile fulfills that charge for Viking Library System by providing convenient public library service to citizens within the region who live in rural areas and in cities and towns that do not have public libraries. The bookmobile makes stops at 90 different locations throughout the six-county region on a bi-weekly basis, offering books, music, audio books, and movies in a variety of formats. Library cards are free and registration is offered at every stop. Your bookmobile card is also good at any other public library in Minnesota. The bookmobile schedule is available online, or you can pick up a printed schedule on the bookmobile.

Delivery

Delivery service provides every-other-day pickup and delivery of interlibrary loan materials and other items between and among Viking Library System headquarters and its member libraries. Items requested and loaned through the MnLINK Gateway are also carried on this service. Items are sorted en route to maximize quick delivery time.

Interlibrary Loan

Through the Viking Library System catalog, library and Bookmobile users can place requests on most materials at all public libraries within the region. In addition, library users across Minnesota can search MNLINK and place requests on the materials in other public libraries as well as the libraries associated with the University of Minnesota, the MnSCU libraries and most of the private college libraries.

Outreach Services: Daycares & Head Starts

Viking Library System provides rotating collections of books, music and movies to 65 daycares and Head Starts on a monthly basis. Packets of 20 books and 5 videos per packet are moved from site to site by the VLS delivery staff. Participants can choose how many packets they would like to receive each month.

Outreach Services: Group Homes

Viking Library System provides rotating collections of developmentally-aged appropriate books, music, movies, puzzles and games on a monthly basis to 35 group homes in the Viking Library System region. A large tub of materials is delivered to each group home once a month and the current tub is picked up. There is no charge for this service.

Telecommunications

Viking Library System provides a high-speed telecommunications network that connects each member library to headquarters as well as providing Internet access. The technical support staff offers software support for the Horizon system and hardware support for both the network and the local computer equipment.