Western North Carolina Library Network

WNCLN is made up of three Western NC State University libraries: Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Western Carolina University. WNCLN Vision Statement: The Western North Carolina Library Network will improve each member's ability to cope with the rapid rate of change in the form, accessibility and amount of information. Member libraries will lead their respective institutions in providing and enabling the use of information resources in support of teaching, research and services. WNCLN, through collaborative effort, will significantly enhance each member library's ability to support its institutional mission. This collaborative effort will emphasize: Collections freely shared. Coordinated development of resources. Shared development of services for patrons which focuses on clear guidance through the information environment. Cooperative staff development. A sharing of expertise especially in information resources development and utilization. To support this vision basic elements of the network's infrastructure are an easy to use, advanced, integrated library system and shared database with access from bibliographic record to full text of items; information about the holdings of each member library; direct links to worldwide electronic resources. Membership will be open to any institution in the WNC/Blue Ridge Mountain Area where access to library resources and expertise will benefit the other members of the Network and where there is the ability to support the financial, technical and philosophical goals of the Network.