Dallas, TX — Amigos Library Services (Amigos) announces it has received a Library Cooperation Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The grant will help fund a project to develop a new e-book distribution platform. The planned service will provide e-books for library patrons, searchable through an Amigos search interface or a local library catalog. Amigos will create the platform and negotiate directly with publishers to obtain content. The grant funds will be provided from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to TSLAC under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act and will aid in underwriting the project’s costs. Prior to receipt of the TSLAC grant, Amigos had begun an e-book distribution platform project using resources provided by North Texas Library Partners (NTLP).

“Amigos is grateful to be awarded this funding assistance from the TSLAC grant. It will strengthen our ability to complete development of this timely and strategic pilot project to benefit all Amigos members. TSLAC and the original NTLP library participants are excellent development partners for Amigos, and we look forward to working together,” said Bonnie Juergens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amigos.

“Having the support of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission gives us confidence as we move forward,” said Project Manager Christine Peterson, Continuing Education Librarian for Amigos. “We hope to provide a service that will complement existing services and aid our members in providing e-books to their patrons.”

About Amigos Library Services
We are one of the largest consortia of libraries and cultural heritage institutions in the United States. For more than 35 years, Amigos members have collaborated to obtain affordable services and shared library resources and knowledge. Through membership in Amigos, we collectively gain access to the latest innovations and services in the library community; pursue opportunities for continuing professional education; leverage our buying power; and preserve our rich cultural heritage. This collaboration strengthens each member’s ability to serve and lead its community in the creative and effective use of information resources.

About Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Formed in 1909, TSLAC is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs they can use to improve their lives and communities. TSLAC provides historical and genealogical search assistance, federal and state government documents, electronic research and library services to all Texans, including those who are unable to read standard print materials because of physical or reading disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.state.tx.us.

Media Contact:
Tracy Rochow Byerly
Amigos Library Services
972-340-2893
byerly@amigos.org
www.amigos.org