About Fenway Libraries Online

Mission Statement

The mission of Fenway Libraries Online is to support education and research at its member institutions through a state-of-the-art library system that delivers reliable and relevant information services and promotes resource sharing. (Strategic Plan 2007-2009)

Resource Sharing

FLO provides a combined database offering exact knowledge of the holdings and circulation status of over 909,000 books and other materials from member libraries. Fast and economical access to the books themselves is provided through the Boston Region delivery system. A FLO cooperative collection development policy broadens the resources of each separate library, making the whole resemble a highly sophisticated university library system.

Ability to Attract Grant Funding

FLO has a proven track record in acquiring federal and private grants based on the consortial nature of the organization.

Economy of Size

FLO costs less than it would to mount a standalone system in each library. It affords individual libraries the benefit of highly qualified central staff to run the system and be available to consult on automation issues in member libraries. Certain expenses, such as authority work done by a commercial vendor or report writing software, could not be borne by all nine libraries separately. It provides the opportunity to take advantage of new technologies such as Internet and electronic resources at greatly lowered costs.

Technical Consulting

Shared learning, responsibility, and decision making on such complex issues and processes as automation, quality control, Internet access, and disaster planning are done with greater efficiency in the consortial setting.

Staff Development

Professional and support level staff are constantly challenged and educated by their interactions with peers in the FLO consortium. Operational committees provide opportunities for staff to participate and grow in their work.

Statewide Recognition

FLO provides to all its members the benefit of statewide recognition and allows the separate institutions to speak with one voice in statewide planning.

FLO Staff

	Walter Stine Executive Director
	(617) 442-2087 | Email
	Mary MacDonald Database Management / Authority Control Librarian
	(617) 445-2914 | Email
	Julia Allen Member Services/ Systems Librarian
	(617) 442-5308 | Email
	Rachel Keeler Library Systems Assistant
	(617) 442-2384 | Email