Here are some of the more frequently asked questions concerning the Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS).

1. What is a Federated Library System?
A Federated Library System is an organization in which the member libraries retain their fiscal and administrative autonomy, while at the same time, agreeing to voluntarily cooperate in certain key areas in order to achieve economies of scale and better serve library users.

2. What shared services does MCFLS provide?
The Milwaukee County Federated Library System offers a number of support services to its member libraries. Key among those is the computer hardware, software and  data communications network which delivers the CountyCat (Catalog of Public Libraries in Milwaukee County) to all the public libraries in the county. This sharing of technology allows patrons to see the same computer screen format and use the same key stroke commands regardless of which public library they use.

3. What other services does MCFLS provide to its member libraries?
MCFLS also funds the delivery service which visits libraries each day and moves book and media material between libraries. This allows users to request items from other libraries and to return material at any location that is convenient for them (even if the item is owned by a different library). In addition, MCFLS funds enable all Milwaukee County residents to use the vast resources and reference services of the Milwaukee Public Central Library.

4. Are Milwaukee County residents restricted to using their library card ONLY at the public library located in the community in which they live?
No. While library users are encouraged to use their home public library, a library card, issued by any public library located in Milwaukee County, allows the card holder to borrow materials from, and return materials to, any other public library that is located in Milwaukee County.

5. Are there other library systems in Wisconsin?
Yes. Every county in Wisconsin belongs to a library system. There are 17 systems in the state, most of which include more than one county. MCFLS is a single-county system.

6. Does MCFLS have its own administrative office?
Yes, the MCFLS administrative office is located at 709 N. 8th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233. MCFLS is a tenant in the Milwaukee Public Central Library building.

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