Vision, Mission and Purpose

Services  

Currently the Washington State Library offers historical and government resources relevant to the general public, professionals, researchers and students. Any citizen of the state of Washington with a Washington State Library card may check out circulating materials in the collection. The State Library also provides consulting, administrative, and other services to aid the planning and development of libraries in the state of Washington serves as a Regional Federal Depository Library and Washington State Publications Depository.

• Pacific Northwest History and Genealogy – The State Library provides information on the history of the Northwest region, particularly on the state of Washington and Washington Territory, including searchable, online access to historical resources. The Northwest collection provides comprehensive information on the Pacific Northwest geographic region. Diverse subjects dealing primarily with Washington state are included such as history, genealogy, government, education, ethnic groups, geology, geography, environment, individuals, flora, fauna, counties, cities, transportation, sports, and the arts. The special focus of the collection is history with emphasis on the Washington territorial period and state government. The collection includes rare and territorial items, census records, maps, newspapers, Washington authors, manuscripts, and digital collections as well as search tools and finding aids.
  
• Federal Documents – The State Library has been participating in the Government Printing Office's (GPO) Federal Depository Library Program since its inception over 100 years ago. The State Library has been the Regional Depository Library for Washington and Alaska since 1965. Since that time the library has received most federal publications distributed by GPO through the program. The requirements for the program are in Section 19 of Title 44 of the U.S. Code. The formats distributed through the program include printed reports, microfiche, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and maps. The program provides citizens with access to current and historical federal government information and resources and also provides access to online publications and services via the Internet.
  
• State Documents – The State Library is the permanent depository for State of Washington publications and, as provided in Chapter 40.07 RCW, maintains the state publications distribution center. RCW 40.06.020 requires the Washington State Library to "…utilize the depository library system to permit citizens economical and convenient access to state publications." State publications include annual, biennial, and special reports, state periodicals and magazines, books, pamphlets, leaflets, and all other materials, other than news releases sent exclusively to the news media, typewritten correspondence and interoffice memoranda, issued in print or electronically by the state, the legislature, constitutional officers, or any other state department, committee, or other state agency supported wholly or in part by state funds.
  
• Resource Sharing – The State Library’s Resource Sharing unit is responsible for all activities related to interlibrary lending and borrowing of materials. The State Library uses ILLiad for request management and Ariel for electronic document delivery. Materials are lent directly to other libraries worldwide. Individuals should request materials through their local library.
  
• Ask a Librarian – The State Library offers reference and research assistance to customers via several gateways: in person, telephone, email, chat, voice-over IP, and in the near future, instant messaging.
  
• Library Development and Grants – Library Development staff coordinate statewide projects and initiatives using Federal LSTA funds. They also provide consulting, publications and information on library practices and technology for library staff and trustees in libraries statewide. Technology services include CIPA, E-Rate, application assistance, IT Consulting, connections to the K-20 network, and Gates Foundation grant facilitation. Publications include Legislative District Fact Sheets, Public Library Trustee Manuals, Directory of Washington Libraries, and Washington Public Library Statistics. Grant services include the following: LSTA provides information about current grant opportunities and on past awards that fund development of library programs and services; Continuing Education grants offer assistance to individuals library staff or libraries; ITCE grants help provide for up-to-date training of individuals supporting a library's information technology infrastructure. Library Development staff also provide consulting, facilitation and training on library governance, administration and practice.
  
• Branches – The State Library provides on-site library services to over 11,000 residents of state correctional and mental health institutions supporting their treatment, education, and rehabilitation. There are twelve institutional branches. The State Library also contracts with four state agencies to provide on-site library services for employees of those agencies.
  
• WTBBL – The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library provides statewide services to those who are unable to read standard print, hold or turn a page of a book due to blindness, low vision, or a physical or learning disability.

Questions or comments? contact Erica Coe, elcoe@u.washington.edu