First 40 years

On October 14, 1969, the Orange County Cooperative Library System was formed. Twenty years later on December 29, 1989, the Orange County Cooperative Library System was converted into a California Library Services Act agency and renamed the Santiago Library System.^[1]

The SLS was a cooperative arrangement designed to maximize resources by providing programs and services jointly where it is mutually beneficial to the local population.

An important SLS role was facilitating the sharing of local collections by providing delivery of materials among the nine member libraries. The System enhanced the reference capabilities of these libraries by furnishing additional resources and expertise when needed to meet patrons' requests. SLS presented workshops, arranged staff training programs, and aided in the development of additional reference tools and services.

Dissolution

On July 1, 2009, SLS and the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System (MCLS) of Los Angeles County were combined and renamed the Southern California Library Cooperative (SCLC).^[1] The web site lists staff directories, committee meeting dates, publications, useful links and upcoming workshops. The Reference Center, with offices at the Central Library of the Los Angeles Public Library, provides member libraries with second-level reference support services.

Restoration

On June 30, 2013, the former SLS members withdrew from SCLC and reestablished SLS. The Huntington Beach Public Library and the Orange County Public Law Library joined SLS as associate members.^[1]

The reconstituted SLS seeks "to promote cooperation and coordination of library collections and services so as to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all residents of the Orange County area."^[1]