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 Mission:
Through the printed word and new
technologies, libraries in Cumberland County are united
to help residents of all ages explore, learn about, and
enjoy the world.
CLUES, (The
Cumberland Libraries United System) is the
answer to the defining question: "How
can libraries make the best possible use of library tax
dollars and still get on the Information
Superhighway?"
In the early 1980's, library leaders in
Cumberland County, NJ realized that working
cooperatively and sharing resources was the best way to
proceed. Working together, the libraries of Cumberland
County were able to afford computerized systems that
would have been unattainable individually.
Planning for CLUES began in the early 80's and CLUES
became a reality for Cumberland County residents in 1990
with the institution of a county-wide library card and a
joint online catalog. Library users around the county
were no longer limited to their local library, but now
had immediate access to books and resources in nearby
libraries. Over 45,000 Cumberland County residents now
hold CLUES library cards. The online public
access catalog is today the primary product of
CLUES.
The joint online catalog and the
county-wide library card were only the beginning for
CLUES. Even though the participating libraries are still
autonomous, by joining together on grant projects, the
libraries have been able to receive funding to buy books
and materials on special topics, to expand services to
people with visual disabilities, to offer multi-media
CD-ROM databases, and more.
Planning is an ongoing process in the
successful CLUES model. In March 1994, the libraries of
Cumberland County began their efforts to develop a plan
for the future development of library service to the
County's residents. Working with a 17-member community
advisory group and various public focus groups, the
Planning Committee consisting of representatives from
each CLUES library formulated a five-year plan. This
plan was released in 1995 as Navigating the Future: A
Plan for Library and Information Services to Cumberland
County Residents in the Year 2000. Copies of this plan
are available for perusal at any CLUES library. |
