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A Brief Description of Services

Subject listing of Services provided at the Library Commission

Mission of the Nebraska Library Commission

The mission of the Nebraska Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services. As the state library agency, the Commission advocates for the library and information service needs of all Nebraskans, bringing together people and information. 

Administrative and Support Services

Administrative services staff perform planning and budgeting, evaluation, accounting, personnel, word processing, inventory, supplies, courier, mail and other support services necessary to carry out the work and programs of the Nebraska Library Commission.

Expense / Travel Reimbursement


Cataloging Services

The Cataloging Librarian ensures that all Nebraska Library Commission holdings receive complete and accurate cataloging in the Nebraska Library Commission On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and in the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat. The Librarian also provides cataloging training and support to Nebraska library staff performing cataloging functions.

Computer Services

The Computer Services staff install, maintain, and troubleshoot all agency computer hardware, software, and network infrastructure, including websites, blogs, and online services.

Government Information Services/Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse

In 1972 the Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse, which is housed in the Nebraska Library Commission. It provides convenient access to state and federal information (including online documents) and publications for all Nebraskans, and promotes knowledge and usage of government information. The Publications Clearinghouse is also an integral part of Information/Reference Services at the Library Commission.

Information Services

The Nebraska Library Commission maintains a library of reference materials and provides research services to Nebraska libraries and state agency personnel. Our collection includes books, periodicals, DVDs, and book club kits. The collection also includes state and federal government material, available to all Nebraska citizens. Many materials are available through interlibrary loan. Contact the Information/Reference Desk at the Library Commission if you have any questions or need assistance.

Library Data Services

The Nebraska Library Commission collects statistical data about public and academic libraries and produces a variety of data products. This data is used for accreditation of public libraries, distribution of direct state aid to public libraries, and public library strategic planning.

Library Development

The Nebraska Library Commission's Library Development team provides coordination and support services to all Nebraska libraries and media centers. Library Development staff work regularly with local libraries, resource libraries, institutional libraries, library boards, and citizen groups to develop improved library services and facilities.

Ongoing Library Development projects include Library Accreditation, Regional Library System Collaboration, Children and Young Adult Services (including the Collaborative Summer Library program, Children/Young Adult Review Books, Youth Grants for Excellence, and Public Library Board Certification and Training (including Nebraska Public Library Board Manual, access to United for Libraries resources, and Fundraising Assisitance), Library Foundations and Friends Groups Support, E-rate Assistance, NCompass Live Webcasts, Strategic Planning and Evaluation, Library Improvement Grants, Public Library Laws, Pioneer Consortium Support, NebrasKard, and Continuing Education (including Librarian Certification, Online Basic Skills Classes, Resources for New Library Directors, CE & Training Grants, and Monthly Free Webinars Listing.).

Technology & Access Services

Technology & Access Services promotes and supports Nebraska libraries in their cooperative efforts to share resources and information.

Technology & Access Services will:

  • Assist information providers in delivering electronic information to Nebraska citizens
  • Develop and support access to state government information resources, and to national and international communications
  • Introduce and promote new products that help Nebraska libraries use information technologies
  • Provide innovative training to strengthen libraries in the use of information technologies
  • Support and enhance Nebraska library programs that promote regional cooperation and resource sharing
  • Support digitization projects in Nebraska cultural institutions and host digital historical images, making them accessible through Internet searching

Public Information and Communication

The Public Information and Communication Service publicizes the mission and promotes and markets the products and services of the Nebraska Library Commission. The Nebraska Library Commission communicates with target groups of Nebraska citizens, library staff, and other state agency personnel through Commission staff and publications (print and electronic). Public Information staff, along with other Commission staff, publish several newsletters and other publications including NCB News, NCompass, News Releases, Proclamations, and special project marketing materials.


Talking Book and Braille Services

The Nebraska Library Commission's Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) is part of a nationwide network of cooperating libraries headed by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a division of the Library of Congress. Talking Book and Braille Service provides free books and magazines on digital cartridge, through digital download, and in Braille to individuals with a visual or physical condition, or a reading disability which limits use of regular print. the descriptive video collection offers audio description of the visual elements of movie and Public Television program videos and DVDs.

In the TBBS in-house sound studios, we also record and produce audiobooks and audio-magazines from Nebraska and regional authors, or about Nebraska and the Great Plains. The recordings from this Nebraska Collection are made available for loan.

The TBBS collection of books and magazines is similar to those found in a public library. Special digital playback equipment is also provided free of charge. All materials are mailed to and from the Nebraska Library Commission postage-free to individuals, as well as to schools and other facilities (e.g., nursing homes, hospitals, senior citizen centers). In addition to these free services, we provide audio production and Braille embossing to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.


Nebraska Library Commission
The Atrium
1200 N Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508-2023
Phone: 402-471-2045     800-307-2665 (in Nebraska only)
Fax: 402-471-2083


For more information, contact Tessa Terry.