New Mexico State Library

Programs and Services

Programs and Services for New Mexico Libraries

  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, 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 has a contract with the State Library and is able to offer discounts to New Mexico public libraries. The distributor offers good discounts, does not charge for taxes or shipping, and has a liberal return policy. For more information call 800-340-3890. Electronic Discussion Groups – The State Library currently hosts several listservs for New Mexico librarians, and provide a means for discussion of: public library issues, youth services topics, resource sharing, topics of interest to all types of libraries, SALSA consortium issues, and State Documents. To see postings to this list, and to participate in discussions, all users must subscribe to the list by visiting the links below. Available lists are:
  • NMPUBLIB – The State Library’s electronic discussion group for public libraries is now reactivated. http://lists.zianet.com/mailman/listinfo/nmpublib
  • NMYTHSERV – This listserv supports librarians and library staff working with children and teens and all in between. http://lists.zianet.com/mailman/listinfo/nmythserv
  • NMSL-GOVINFO-L – Focused discussion list for New Mexico libraries interested in Federal and State government documents.Individuals can subscribe to the list by sending a message to: listserv@list.unm.edu. Leave the Subject field blank, and tn the body of message type (with no other text): subscribe NMSL-GOVINFO-L, Firstname Lastname.
El Portal – This suite of databases for public, academic and school libraries offer a robust array of periodicals and reference sources appropriate to the entire community of users. The Gale databases available include: Kids InfoBits, introducing students K-6 to the research process; InfoTrac Junior, created specifically for middle school students with more than 130 titles; InfoTrac Student Edition, designed for homework assignments for secondary school students; General Reference Center Gold, having a broad subject scope with more than 8.3 million citations and a 20-year backfile; Expanded Academic ASAP, a comprehensive database of academic resources; and Informe!, an electronic resource of popular Hispanic magazines. Brainfuse HelpNow and JobNow are also integrated into the El Portal suite. For more information contact the New Mexico State Library Reference Desk at: 800-876-2203. 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, the State Library provides consulting services, training and technical assistance for selective libraries in the state. The State of New Mexico Federal Depository Library Plan articulates the leadership role of the State Library and outlines service areas for regional libraries in the State. In support of the mission of the State Library, the New Mexico State Regional Federal Depository Library extends consultation, training, reference and interlibrary loan services to public and school libraries statewide. For more information, call 800-340-3890 or 505-476-9763. Candid Foundation Information Network – The Candid Foundation Information Network concentrates on funding from private foundations for non-profit organizations. The State Library augments these materials with local publications when available, as well as information on corporate giving, charities, fund-raising techniques and proposal writing. Information is also available on Federal grants. Circulating copies of some how-to-do-it materials are available. For more information, call 800-340-3890 or 505-476-9763. 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 Reference – The New Mexico State Library answers reference questions from libraries across the state through its Interlibrary Reference service. The Interlibrary Reference service is designed to help all New Mexico libraries best serve their own patrons. Librarians only please call: 800-876-2203. Interlibrary Loan – The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Department at the State Library processes ILL requests for libraries in New Mexico that do not have OCLC. 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 Science Book & Video 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, SALSA. Professional Development:  See the Professional Development Calendar for more information or call 1-800-340-3890. NewsBank – Newsbank is an online, searchable database providing access to three New Mexico newspapers. Each paper provides unique coverage of local and regional news, including companies, politics, sports, industries, cultural activities, and people in the community. Paid ads are excluded. New Mexico State Depository Library Program – By state mandate, as part of the New Mexico State Depository Library Program the State Library serves as the Clearinghouse for state publications that are distributed in paper and electronically to 24 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 in all areas regarding state documents, including cataloguing, reference, preservation, continued education, marketing, site visits, and holding annual meetings and workshops. For more information, call 800-476-2203. Southwest Collection – The Southwest Collection is an advanced reference resource and service for librarians and the public seeking historical information about New Mexico and its environs. The collection supports research in state history, geography, culture, ethnology, and economic and political development. The collection includes materials published by the general, academic and small presses. The Southwest room staff can answer your reference questions about the southwest and materials may be available for interlibrary loan. For more information, e-mail the Southwest staff at: southwestroom@state.nm.us , or call 505-476-9790 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.