New Mexico State Library

Consulting Services

The New Mexico State Library offers a host of consulting services to assist libraries statewide.

Annual Report – The NMSL provides assistance for public libraries submitting their annual Public Library Survey. For assistance, please contact Carmelita Aragon, State Data Coordinator (505) 476-9740 or (800) 340-3890 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cataloging and Classification – The NMSL offers technical assistance to libraries with questions about the processing of materials for inclusion in their collections. For help with cataloging, please contact Bradley Carrington at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Continuing Education – The NMSL provides professional development opportunities for public library staff, volunteers, and board members. Contact the Library Development Bureau at (800) 340-3890 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

E-Rate – Assistance, training and information for the E-Rate application process and its benefits are available for public libraries.  Please see the USAC website, https://usac.org/sl/about/outreach/training/webinars.aspx.  For more information, please contact Richard Govea, Broadband Opportunities Program Manager at Office (505) 476-2402, Cell (505) 467-9283 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Federal Documents – Questions from federal depository libraries can be addressed to Lori Thornton 476-9717, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or for questions about federal information in general please contact 476-9702, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Funding for Libraries and State Aid Requirements – The NMSL coordinates several funding programs for public libraries in the state, including federal funding, state grants-in-aid, and state GO Bonds. For assistance, please contact the Development Bureau, at (800) 340-3890 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

General Consulting for Public Libraries – Consultants in the Library Development Bureau provide consulting on all aspects of librarianship to public and tribal public libraries in the state. Call (800) 340-3890 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Government Documents – Assistance is available to libraries with questions about the cataloging and classification of state and federal documents. For more information, please contact Bradley Carrington at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Interlibrary Loan – The Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Team at the NMSL processes ILL requests for libraries in New Mexico that do not have OCLC. If the NMSL does not have the item requested, we try to find it in the OCLC database and request it from another library. For more information, call the ILL staff at (505) 476-9716.

Interlibrary Reference – The NMSL Interlibrary Reference Service answers reference questions from libraries across the state and is designed to help all New Mexico libraries best serve their own patrons. In addition to our print services, we have a number of databases we can access on your behalf. The toll free phone number for this service is (800) 876-2203.

Librarian and Librarianship Certification – The NMSL offers various certificates to public library directors and library staff who meet the necessary requirements. Please contact the Library Development Bureau at (800) 340-3890 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Library for the Blind and Print Disabled/Talking Books Library – The NMSL meets the reading and information needs of more than 5,000 New Mexico citizens who are blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, or reading disabled. To learn more, contact the Talking Book Library at (505) 476-9770 or (800) 456-5515.

Statewide Databases – The NMSL provides statewide databases to all types of libraries throughout the state. The databases cover a wide range of topics and serve all age ranges. Contact the Reference Desk (505) 476-9702 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

Southwest Collection – The Southwest Collection is an advanced reference resource and service for librarians and the public seeking historical information about New Mexico and its environs. The Southwest room staff can answer your reference questions about the southwest and materials may be available for interlibrary loan. For more information, contact the Southwest staff at (505) 476-9790 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

State Documents – State documents depository library questions can be addressed to James Phelps at (505) 476-9736 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For questions about the current state documents collection please contact Katherine Montoya (505) 476-9739 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Technology for Public Libraries – Assistance is available to librarians in areas of library information technologies, including work with vendors. Support and assistance are also available on technology planning for public libraries, sustaining public access computing, and evaluation of software. For more information, please contact Patricia Moore, Technology Consultant, at (505) 476-9724 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Tribal Libraries Grants – The State Library offers direct grants to NM Tribal Libraries through the Tribal Libraries Program. For more information, contact Cassandra Osterloh, Tribal Libraries Program Coordinator at (505) 476-9764 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Youth Services and Summer Reading – The NMSL provides general resources and assistance on youth services to public libraries. Each year, the NMSL coordinates and promotes the statewide Summer Reading Program (SRP), providing thematic materials and resources to support for local library efforts. For more information, please contact Deanne Dekle, Youth Services and Outreach Consultant, at (505) 476-9705 or 1-800-340-3890 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.