Organizational Agreement of
the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange

CMLE is one of seven Minnesota multitype library systems. It was created in 1979, through Minnesota Statutes 134.351-134.353, with primary funding from State Library Services, MN Department of Education.

CMLE responds to the needs of academic, public, school, and special librarians in Aitkin, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties.

Our staff offers direct services and support to librarians and school media center staff in participating libraries; enhancing their capabilities to serve their end users.

CMLE serves as the Central Minnesota library hub, a clearinghouse of talent, materials, and expertise for all types of libraries. CMLE leads, supports, encourages, engages, and connects library personnel with the resources they need.

* For definitions of terms, please see the addendum at the end of this document.

Member Responsibilities

The member libraries that wish to participate in the programs of the Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange agree to the following terms and conditions.

Member libraries:

• Understand that CMLE represents an enrichment of library services and is not intended to be a replacement for materials, services, or staff; therefore, participation in the CMLE shall in no way diminish the financial responsibility of the participating library.
• Share library resources among libraries that adopt this agreement, consistent with all existing policies.
• Provide appropriate input and feedback to CMLE to assist in developing and evaluating service areas.
• Participate in CMLE programming by participating in events and/or communication streams with peers through social media.
• Understand and be included in an organizational agreement form signed by the chief administrative official of the institution/organization.

CMLE Responsibilities

The CMLE will assist in the improvement of library services in member libraries by promoting cooperative programs as determined by the CMLE Governing Board.

• Participation in CMLE shall not prevent participating libraries from using services available from other agencies. CMLE will educate and help facilitate members’ abilities to use any available resources.
• CMLE strives to provide services to all types of participating libraries.
• Ideally, services shall not be developed in which only a single type of library can participate; unless the Board specifies intense individual focus is warranted.
• CMLE acts as a proactive advocate of library interests by providing coordinated leadership and representation for member libraries to local, state, and federal government agencies, and to the general public.

CMLE Services

The CMLE office:

• Plans services consistent with a strategic plan, through the engagement of the Director, an eleven-member Governing Board, and with member feedback. Four members of the Board are practicing librarians in the Central Minnesota service region of: Aitkin, Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright counties.
• Serves as a current awareness channel on library/school media information from a national, state, and local perspective.
• Provides professional development opportunities including scholarships, workshops, webinars, self-paced online learning, written materials, and/or other means as appropriate.
• Helps determine the feasibility of either regional or statewide cooperation among libraries for a specific goal or activity.
• Provides for sharing of resources among all participating libraries through a variety of methods and systems.
• Conducts various library advocacy activities locally, statewide and nationally.
• Maintains a Web site for basic information including but not limited to, a Board roster , strategic plans, and current services.
• Maintains a directory of area libraries, staff, and contact inform
• Offers availability of CMLE staff to consult on grants and projects and meet with library/media information groups and others of related interest.

CMLE will make every attempt to provide the listed services. CMLE retains the right to modify the range of services in the event of change of focus, funding cuts or inadequate funding to support all of the service areas.