Thank you for visiting the revised Reference and Research Library Resources System section!
The pages in this section have been revised to support accessibility and improve navigation. We hope that these changes serve to guide users to important information regarding NYS Library services to New York’s reference and research library resources systems.
Please take some time to check out the revisions. You can let us know what you think about these changes by sending a message to nysldigital@nysed.gov.
Reference and Research Library Resources Systems (3Rs) provide a wide range of direct support services to over 19 million people statewide. Reference and Research Library Resources Systems serve over 1,000 academic, business, hospital, law, and other special libraries. 3Rs Systems also serve the 23 Public Library Systems and 40 School Library Systems. They provide statewide delivery service to libraries through Empire Library Delivery (ELD), distribute grants to all types of libraries, and negotiate licenses and access to electronic information including databases and eBooks. 3Rs Systems provide professional development and training opportunities for library staff and collaborate on regional and statewide projects.
Review guidelines for the Hospital Library Services and Medical Information Services aid programs and find general State Aid information, including details on funding allocations and applications.
3Rs Systems must obtain State Education Department approval from the New York State Library before the system’s Board of Trustees formally appoints a candidate to the Reference and Research Library Resources System director position.
The system Plan of Service is a planning document which identifies, organizes, and provides an overview of the library system’s service program including intended changes in services or priorities.
View a list and corresponding statewide map of all 3Rs Systems in New York State and contact your DLD system liaison.