Shared Services
For Communities
Mobile Library Services
ACLA Mobile Library Services is on the road each day to provide support service to enhance and expand the rich library resources available in Allegheny County. We provide the services that a library building provides, in a personalized environment, at a location accessible to customers who otherwise may not be able to use a library, and we have been doing it for 70 years.
Youth Services
ACLA and its member libraries serve a critical role for children and families throughout the County. ACLA, in partnership with key organizations, has expanded its programming to include innovative and engaging educational and entertainment resources.
Community Support Services
ACLA Community Support Services provides barrier-free, in-person assistance where people need it most, in their own neighborhoods. Social work students are matched with local libraries to assist with individual and community needs. Students can provide local resource information, support, service referrals, help with job and housing searches, applications, and more. Services are free and available to all!
Student Library Cards
ACLA, in partnership with eiNetwork, coordinates the creation of student library cards for its Member Libraries and their respective school districts. With the help of a taskforce, a set of best practices was created to simplify a complicated process and provide barrier-free public library access to all students. To date, more than a quarter of the school districts in Allegheny County have partnered with their local library to offer student library cards – increasing circulation, eLibrary usage and supporting the educators with additional resources.
For Libraries
Accounting Services
ACLA provides accounting services to Member Libraries on a voluntary, “opt-in” basis. Starting with a single library in 2014, ACLA’s accounting staff now supports more than 20 county libraries. The shared accounting services program is self-sustaining through annual cost-recovery fees. Participating libraries benefit from a higher level of reporting, increased efficiency, and leveraged cost savings.
Professional Development
ACLA organizes a wide range of professional development for library staff and trustees across the system. Ongoing professional development ensures that county libraries remain up to date with industry changes, technological advancements, and best practices that keep library programs and services responsive to community needs. In accordance with state regulations requiring librarians to complete a minimum number of continuing education (CE) hours each year, many of these workshops provide opportunities to earn CE credits.
Advocacy
ACLA staff actively advocate for libraries and library services across Allegheny County. Their work includes meeting with elected officials, funders, and key stakeholders to inform and educate them about the impact of library programs and services. They also collect data that demonstrates the value of libraries, develop messaging and marketing materials for countywide use, and provide resources that support local libraries in engaging their boards, municipal leaders, and communities.