What is CTLS?
CTLS, Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit dedicated to serving the needs of Texas libraries. We provide continuing education, consulting, and resource-sharing to libraries statewide. Membership is open to every library without regard to regional boundaries or type of library.
How can it help me?
No system? No problem! CTLS can provide an array of services that libraries need in these increasingly difficult times. With money in short supply, CTLS offers ways to stay connected to your peers all across the state. We offer on-site networking events, collaborative grant projects, telephone consulting, on-site continuing education, discounts on goods and services, and much, much more.
Consulting. Maximize your time and minimize your workload—let CTLS help! Our experts can help you with:
Youth services consulting on book collections, programming, summer reading programs, and working with youth volunteers
- Envisioning your library’s future, from space planning to strategic planning
- Personnel management issues
- Board and Friends Group relations
- Collection development: what to buy, what to toss, how to market to your patrons, and materials challenges.
Discounts on IT Services. Save 30% or more on labor costs! CTLS has negotiated group discounts for IT support on your behalf . We will find you the best tech talent from a large community of service professionals around the state. You tell us the problem, we put the call out, and you get on-site service. The outstanding quality and efficiency of the work provided is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Continuing Education. Keep staff knowledgeable and rejuvenated with exciting, practical training opportunities. Workshops include face-to-face training and on-request workshops customized for your library. Costs vary—call for a quote. Topics include:
- Serving children and youth
- Organizational development
- Collection management
- Long Range Planning
- Board Training
- Teambuilding
Resource Sharing. Participate in collaborative grants like Every Child Ready to Read, Science ROCKS, and Digital Literacy Corps programs. Join our OneClick eAudiobook consortium, or buy into the Large Print Circuit collection which brings you 150 recent fiction titles per year. You will also have access to CTLS LOANables.
What will it cost my library?
Level 1 Membership $300
Level 1 provides a baseline for staying connected with libraries in your region and across the state. CTLS keeps you in the loop with collaborative grant opportunities, regional networking events, a monthly newsletter, member pricing and discounts on workshop seats, consulting, and other services. You also have access to CTLS LOANables—professional collection materials, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, programming kits, archival scanners, and more.
Level 2 Membership $600
Level 2 offers enhanced services many libraries need for state accreditation or to upgrade services for their patrons. Includes Level 1 benefits as well as 2 free seats to on-site workshops, 6 hours of telephone and email consultations, and substantial discounts on IT services.
How do I join?
Fill out the application below and send it in by mail or email. The membership year starts on September 1 and ends August 31. Invoices can be customized to meet your organization’s payment cycle and a monthly payment plan is also available. Go to www.ctls.net for the online form and more information about joining CTLS.
Join Now!
Please contact Laurie Mahaffey if you have any questions.