The Detroit Area Library Network (DALNET) is a multi-type library consortium located in Southeast Michigan. The consortium, incorporated in 1985, is open to academic, public, school and special libraries as well as information organizations in the seven county Metropolitan Detroit region (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Monroe, Livingston and Washtenaw counties).

DALNET policy is set by its Board of Directors. The Dean of University Libraries, Wayne State University, serves as Fiscal Agent Representative to the Board, and Board officers of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary are elected annually. Member institutions sign individual service agreements for DALNET membership. Decision-making is accomplished with every member institution having representation on the DALNET Board and, if desired, in various policy-making committees and task forces. Membership is open to academic, public, school, and special libraries as well as other information organizations in seven southeast Michigan counties. To make the regional information gateway possible, DALNET members agree to participate in some or all consortium ventures and remain committed to resource sharing.

DALNET strives to engage in cost-effective practices to insure that members' investments are maximized; to share local and central site expertise; to be efficient in all operational areas; to gather, evaluate and distribute relevant information before reaching a decision; to respect local institutional values/principles and operational priorities; and to develop effective group processes for good decision-making. These principles and the full participation of members enables DALNET libraries to play a leadership role in the delivery of information and to meet research, professional, cultural, and recreational needs of their users.

Integrated Library System Members

Behind the online system that users see, DALNET ILS members have access to a fully integrated library management system used to automate and manage their operations. The system includes modules for acquisitions, cataloging, authority control, serials control, circulation and resource sharing. National standards are followed and are fully supported by the system.

Information Gateway

• The DALNET Information Gateway includes public online access to DALNET Digital Projects, Databases and Guides created by DALNET members and others, and member Library Catalogs.

• Members of DALNET help to create a model urban information gateway in the metro Detroit area. This gateway to information resources worldwide supports the life-long learning needs of the people of the Detroit metropolitan area and improves access to unique local information, special collections, and services available through DALNET member institutions.

• The integrated library management software used by the DALNET ILS members is Horizon, a product of SirsiDynix. For its online public access catalog (OPAC), DALNET uses the Horizon Information Portal software from the same company.

Information Gateway