Inclusion Statement

The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) mission states:

“The Massachusetts Library System, a state-supported collaborative, fosters cooperation, communication, innovation, and sharing among member libraries of all types. The MLS promotes equitable access to excellent library services and resources for all who live, work, or study in Massachusetts.”

Our mission has always embraced social justice. The MLS Team is committed to providing services that benefit and contribute to the library profession’s core values: diversity, inclusion, equity, access to information, free expression, privacy, and social justice.

For additional information about inclusion, see the Social Justice MLSguide.


MLS staff initiated dialog to create an inclusion statement in December 2016 and engaged with both staff and members in its development.  This statement was approved by the Massachusetts Library System Executive Board on August 21, 2017.