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Central Mississippi Regional Library System Earns Star Status
Jackson, Miss – The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) recently named 12 public library systems as Mississippi Library Stars for FY 2017. The concept of Library Stars comes from the national professional magazine, Library Journal. The publication separates library systems into categories by expenditures that they report on the annual Public Library Statistics report that is submitted to the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The star ratings are then calculated by comparing libraries’ in the following areas:
- Mississippi Measures – an amalgamation of statistics on interlibrary loan, statewide database use, number of registered users, and items withdrawn
- Circulation per capita
- Total program attendance per capita
- Public Internet terminal uses per capita
While Mississippi does not currently have any national Library Journal Library Stars, MLC has awarded Mississippi Library Stars to the best-scoring libraries in this state, recognizing the three highest-scoring library systems in each of four expenditure categories. Mississippi Library Stars are awarded to the following libraries for their performance in Fiscal Year 2017 (October 1, 2016-September 30, 2017):
Level I
- Sharkey-Issaquena County Library System
- Carroll County Library Public Library System
- Union County Library System
Level II
- Carnegie Public Library of Clarksdale and Coahoma County
- East Mississippi Regional Library
- Waynesboro-Wayne County Library System
Level III
- Sunflower County Library System
- Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System
- Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library System
Level IV
- The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, & Forrest County
- Jackson-George Regional Library System
- Central Mississippi Regional Library System
“Every year we collect statistics in various categories to show how much our twenty libraries impact our community through traditional library services such as materials circulation, nontraditional library services such as access to electronic databases, innovative, creative and/or informational programming,” said CMRLS Director Mara Polk. “As our newly adopted mission statement states ‘CMRLS is a strong community partner that provides resources, services, and programs to foster creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.’ Being named a Mississippi Star Library System is a great honor and shows we are committed to providing quality products and services,” said Polk.
The winning libraries received a certificate and a Mississippi Star Library star to feature on their website. For further information on the Mississippi Star libraries, contact Lacy Ellinwood, MLC Library Development Director at lellinwood@mlc.lib.ms.us.
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), offering leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals and paraprofessionals.
Central Mississippi Regional Library System serves the 20 public libraries and more than 216,000 residents of Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith Counties. Visit online at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us for information on library branches and hours of operation; as well as to download eBooks, Audiobooks, magazines, music, and homework help.
