Programs and Services

Through its bureaus and departments, the State Library makes information, consulting and resource-based services and programs available to libraries that include:

Brainfuse – Brainfuse is an online homework help and career assistance portal with live tutors available 2 – 11 p.m. daily and other resources available 24/7. HelpNow consists of expert tutoring including one-to-one online homework help, state-aligned skills building, writing assistance, test preparation, an adult learning center, foreign language center, and 24/7 question center. JobNow is Brainfuse’s premium job coaching services with one-to-one interview coaching, resume assistance, and career assessments to help patrons strategically target jobs best suited to interests and qualifications. Brainfuse resources are available as part of the El Portal suite.

Discounts on Book Purchases – Ingram and Baker & Taylor have contracts with the State Library and are able to offer discounts to New Mexico public libraries. The vendors offer good discounts, Ingram does not charge for taxes. Baker & Taylor does not charge for taxes or shipping. Both have return policies. For more information contact the New Mexico sales reps.

El Portal – This suite of databases is available to any New Mexico citizen or library and offers a robust array of periodicals and reference sources appropriate to the entire community of users. Brainfuse, HelpNow, JobNow and Newsbank Newspapers are also integrated into the El Portal suite. For more information call us at 505-476-9702.

Federal Depository Library Program – The State Library serves as a Regional Federal Depository Library for the State of New Mexico. In partnership with the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University, the State Library provides consulting services, training and technical assistance for selective Federal Depository libraries in the state and Federal Government information and assistance to any library in the state. For more information, call 505-476-9763.

Candid Foundation Information Network – The Candid Foundation Information Network provides information on funding from private foundations for non-profit organizations, including libraries. Grant writing guidance is also available. For more information, call 505-476-9702.

Funding and Grants  – The New Mexico State Library provides a number of funding opportunities for recognized New Mexico public libraries. For more information, call the Development Bureau at 800-340-3890.

Hitchhiker – A blog for librarians, The Hitchhiker provides information about upcoming events, grants, current events relevant to libraries, and job information. Public librarians are encouraged to submit content on behalf of their libraries so that we can share what is going on around the state.

Hitchhiker Newsletter – This monthly E-newsletter is published by the NMSL Deveopment Bureau. The newsletter highlights topics and events relevant to public libraries and provides a digest of Hitchhiker blog posts. To subscribe, join our mailing list here.

Interlibrary Loan – The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Service at the State Library processes ILL requests for libraries in New Mexico that are not able to provide ILL services to their community. If the New Mexico State Library does not have the item requested, we try to find it in the OCLC database and request it from another library. For more information, call or 505-476-9716.

Library Development Services – The Library Development Services Bureau offers consulting services for public and tribal public libraries on a wide range of topics, including: technology, youth services and summer reading program, annual reports, plans and policies, professional development, librarian and librarianship certification, outreach and library board training. For more information call 800-340-3890.

Library for the Blind and Print Disabled/Talking Books Library – The library is responsible for meeting the reading and information needs of more than 5000 New Mexico citizens who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, or reading disabled. These needs are met by providing books, magazines, and other material in alternate format (cassette, Braille, and electronic text), playback equipment, and some production of print materials in alternative media. The collection contains about 44,000 titles and 275,000 volumes on a wide variety of subjects. For an application or additional information, contact the Talking Book Library at 505-476-9770 or 1-800-456-5515.

Library and Information Science Collection – The State Library has a full collection of Library Science materials available for research and interlibrary loan. The collection contains the most current library literature and is maintained to support all activities of public libraries throughout New Mexico. To search the collection visit the State Library’s online catalog.

NewsBank – Newsbank is an online, searchable database providing access to three New Mexico newspapers. Each paper provides unique coverage of local and regional news. Paid ads are excluded. This statewide resource is available as part of the El Portal suite.

New Mexico State Depository Library Program – By state mandate, the State Library serves as the clearinghouse for state publications that are distributed in paper and electronically to state depository libraries around New Mexico. The State Documents Librarian and other state library staff provide consulting services and technical assistance to the state documents depository libraries. We hold annual meetings and workshops. Digital state publications are available at nmsl-montage.auto-graphics.com. New Mexico State Government agency websites are captured and preserved by Internet Archive. For more information, call 505-476-9702.

Southwest Collection – The Southwest Collection is a research and reference resource for librarians and the public seeking current and historical information about New Mexico and the Four-Corners area. The collection supports research in state history, genealogy, geography, culture, ethnology, and economic and political development. The collection includes periodicals, newspapers and online resources. The Southwest librarian can answer your reference questions about the Southwest and materials may be available for interlibrary loan. For more information, e-mail the Southwest librarian at: Sl.Southwestroom@dca.nm.gov, or call 505-476-9702.

Summer Reading – The State Library sponsors a statewide summer reading program annually for public, tribal, and military libraries through its membership in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program. The program includes workshops to prepare youth services staff for summer reading programs and an extensive manual of program ideas, bibliographies, planning tips, and more. For more information call 1-800-340-3890.