Because the Missouri State University Libraries will be leaving the MOBIUS Library Consortium at the end of June, a new LSP (Library Services Platform), new agreements for some e-resources, and a new courier service are being chosen, finalized, and implemented.

The MSU Libraries is in the process of entering into an agreement with MALA (Mid-America Library Alliance) to provide courier services for physical information materials, such as books, for FY21, beginning July 1, 2020. 

According to the MALA website: “Located in Independence, Missouri, the Mid-America Library Alliance (MALA) is an active consortium consisting of nearly 900 libraries or library systems in eight states. MALA was established in 1978 as the Kansas City Metropolitan Library & Information Network (KCMLIN) with a mission to “develop, coordinate, promote, and share information resources and facilitate professional development.” MALA offers interlibrary loan courier delivery service, professional development workshops and consulting, and discounts to a variety of conferences and events.” 

“All MALA member libraries can access our members and partners in eight states.  MALA’s Get Connected courier delivery service connects libraries in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and parts of Wyoming.”

Henry Services, which has a hub in Springfield, is the actual courier provider used. MALA also is the courier service used by the University of Central Missouri, which left the MOBIUS Library Consortium last June.