STELLA is a nonprofit membership organization providing a wide range of services to its member libraries. The Consortium was established in 1986, and currently consists of 42 public libraries in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties and Middlesex College. The primary purpose of the consortium is to operate a shared automation system for its members and to promote all aspects of cooperative automated projects and resource sharing so that a higher quality of library services will be provided to residents within our service area. STELLA develops, maintains and provides technological expertise; offers affordable, cost effective services to its member libraries; supports additional value-added services in the areas of collection development, continuing education for staff and trustees, marketing, consulting, and state and national library advocacy. STELLA members are actively involved in the organization. They share expertise and are active participants in consortium decision making. Staff in STELLA member libraries are encouraged to join committees and task forces so that all types of libraries and geographic areas are represented.
STELLA offers its member libraries complete online library automation services, including:
- retrospective conversion of library catalog records
- circulation control
- online public access catalog (both the member’s individual catalog and a consortium-wide)
- connection with other library catalogs throughout the United States
- connection with numerous commercial online research databases.
Please consult the STELLA By-Laws for additional information and policies.