The Jackson-George Regional Library System has been named a Mississippi STAR Library for a fourth consecutive year by the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC).
MLC recently named 12 public library systems as Star Libraries based on statistics for fiscal year 2019 (October 1, 2018-September 30, 2019). Library systems are separated into four categories by expenditures they report in an annual Library Survey, required by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Star Library status is decided by recognizing the three highest-scoring libraries in specific expenditure categories. Star Library status is awarded to libraries for their FY19 statistics the following year. Jackson-George Regional was included in the $1,000,000 and above category along with First Regional Library System and Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System.
MLC compares libraries’ per capita rates in these four areas:
- Mississippi Measures – this is a combination of interlibrary loan use, statewide database use, number of registered users, and items withdrawn.
- Circulation per capita
- Total program attendance per capita
- Public Internet terminal uses per capita
The winning libraries received a certificate and a digital Star Library badge to feature on their website. The Mississippi Library Commission supports innovative programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance library services for all Mississippians. The agency is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, with additional funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). MLC offers leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals and paraprofessionals.
Library director, Lori Barnes said, “We are again excited to receive this statewide recognition. Along with providing great customer service, we attribute our success to the tremendous efforts with offering quality library services in our two counties.”
For more information about the library system, visit www.JGRLS.org. For more information on Mississippi’s Star Library program, contact Lacy Ellinwood, MLC Library Development Director, at lellinwood@mlc.lib.ms.us.
