About Us | Yavapai Library Network

About the YLN

The Yavapai Library Network (YLN) is a countywide collaboration of libraries across Yavapai County, Arizona. Established in 1985 through a partnership between Yavapai College Library and Prescott Public Library, the network has steadily expanded over the decades. As of fiscal year 2025-2026, the network encompasses 57 member libraries—including academic, public, K–12, and special/museum libraries—along with six unique special collections. At its core, the YLN is built on a strong tradition of collaboration and cost sharing. Its shared system ensures that even residents in remote areas can access a collection of more than one million items. By pooling resources and expertise, the network continues to enhance efficiency while upholding the principles that have guided it since its inception. This commitment to working together has created an unparalleled level of library service across Yavapai County.

Collection Access

The Yavapai Library Network (YLN) member libraries work together by sharing both virtual and physical resources. Physical materials are transported across Yavapai County via a courier service. Once they arrive at our central hub in Prescott, they are sorted by an automated materials handler and then dispatched to the appropriate receiving libraries. This efficient process allows patrons to request materials from any member library and expect delivery within a week.

Collaboration

The YLN features many user groups in which members are encouraged to participate. These groups offer the chance to enhance professional skills and collaborate with others in areas such as circulation, cataloging, youth services, marketing, eMaterials, and more. At times members of the user groups are called upon to provide subject matter expertise or assistance, such as when going out to RFP for YLN-wide resources.

Shared Technology & Resources

The YLN shares an integrated library system, Koha, and an online public catalog, Aspen Discovery. Member libraries have access to the Yes! Calendar, the Overdrive/Libby or Overdrive/Sora eMaterials platform, discounted library cards, barcodes, RFID hardware and tags, and tech support.

Who We Serve

The Yavapai Library Network is a multi-type consortium designed to break down geographic and institutional barriers, proudly supporting over 50 diverse member libraries across Yavapai County to ensure high-quality resources are available to everyone. This unique collective serves public libraries that anchor local municipalities and remote rural communities alike, alongside academic libraries supporting higher education and workforce development at institutions like Yavapai College. Furthermore, the network enriches K-12 school libraries with essential learning tools and literacy materials for students and educators, while seamlessly integrating special and private collections that preserve unique local history, legal archives, and specialized research materials.

How We Work

We amplify the value of local investment by turning individual libraries into seamlessly connected partners within a robust regional network built on shared infrastructure, coordinated logistics, and comprehensive professional support. Through centrally managed systems, member libraries gain continuous 24/7/365 tech support, reliable data backup and recovery, subscription database authentication, and training for essential software tools. Our integrated library system, online public access catalog, and mobile app give patrons streamlined access to rich collections and services, while advanced offerings such as RFID tagging, cataloging and authority updates, conversion services, reading level maintenance, automated student uploads, and school card printing elevate day-to-day operations. Cooperative resource management further enhances efficiency, providing best‑practice guidance, staff mentorship, ongoing training, user group collaboration, marketing assistance, and collective purchasing power. Together, these supports ensure that every library—no matter its size—can deliver exceptional, modern service to its community.