About Lyrasis

As the leading regional membership organization for libraries and information professionals, Lyrasis works to ensure their success today and tomorrow by providing access to more of the shared knowledge and expertise, innovative products and services, and customized solutions they need. Created in 2009 by the merger of PALINET and SOLINET, two well-established regional library networks, Lyrasis members now include over 4,000 member libraries, information centers, and cultural heritage institutions across the US and beyond. An industry powerhouse, Lyrasis serves as a critical collective voice in the national arena.

The History of Lyrasis

In 2008, the Boards of both PALINET and SOLINET recognized the shared mission of both organizations and the unprecedented opportunities to expand education, leadership development, technology, and savings for members, while adding critical new initiatives needed for the future. This timeline charts the path toward merger and the launch of Lyrasis in April 2009:

  • The Boards of PALINET and SOLINET recommended both networks explore the merits of a combined organization in February 2008.
  • Town Hall meetings were conducted throughout the PALINET and SOLINET regions in Spring 2008.
  • The Boards of PALINET and SOLINET unanimously approved a recommendation to merge in October 2008.
  • Lyrasis was selected as new name for merged organization in December 2008.
  • Voting by members took place from January 5 – 28, 2009.
  • Special Membership Meetings were held at PALINET and SOLINET on February 4, 2009.
  • Vote results announced on February 5, 2009.
  • Lyrasis was established on April 1, 2009.

 

Our Roots

Lyrasis was created from the merger of two well-established regional library networks, PALINET and SOLINET. Both networks were major multi-state multi-type networks, PALINET in the Mid-Atlantic region and SOLINET in the Southeastern region.

PALINET and Union Library Catalogue of Pennsylvania was originally formed in 1936, making it one of the oldest library networks in the US. Its name was shortened to PALINET in 1975. PALINET’s original membership was chiefly comprised of libraries in the Mid-Atlantic region (Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia). At the time of merger, membership had grown to 612 members in 12 states and 2 other countries.

The Southeastern Library Network Inc. (SOLINET) was established in 1973 by the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) with 99 charter members. At the time of the merger, SOLINET was the largest regional library network in the US, with over 3,400 members, chiefly from the Southeastern region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia), and Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands.