LIBRARY COMMISSION, WEST VIRGINIA

What LIBRARY COMMISSION, WEST VIRGINIA does

The West Virginia Library Commission (WVLC) is a state government agency headquartered in the Culture Center building in Charleston, West Virginia, operating as the state's central library authority with approximately 25 employees. It serves three primary constituencies: West Virginia residents (who may obtain a free State Library Card for reference, interlibrary loan, and digital resource access), the state's 172 public libraries (which it supports through consultation, continuing education, and shared infrastructure), and specialized user groups including blind and print-disabled residents and K-12 students. The agency operates four core programmatic divisions: State Library Services, the Talking Books Library (West Virginia's regional affiliate of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled), the Library Television Network (a production studio that produces several hundred TV shows annually for state agencies and non-profits and broadcasts to 263,100 cable subscribers across 447 hours per week), and the West Virginia Center for the Book (a Library of Congress affiliate that hosts the One Book One West Virginia reading program and the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program with Shepherd University).

The underlying technology platform is the Statewide Library Network — a wide and local area network providing internet and email filtering, firewall support, FTP and webpage hosting, shared catalogs, patron databases, and help desk support across 8 metropolitan area networks and 92 library systems covering 150 facilities. Digital service delivery is layered on third-party platforms: OverDrive (WV-Reads) for eBook and eAudiobook lending, Libby and Hoopla for additional digital content, BiblioBoard for curated collections, PressReader for 7,000+ newspapers and magazines, TutorWV for online tutoring, and BARD plus NFB Newsline for accessible-format materials. WVLC also operates as a congressionally designated Federal Depository Library, providing free public access to U.S. government documents and serving as the state documents clearinghouse under Title 44 U.S. Code.

WVLC generates no commercial revenue. It is funded through state appropriations from the West Virginia legislature and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services; FY2021 LSTA expenditure in West Virginia totaled $1,444,681. All services — including library cards, digital content access, interlibrary loan, television production, and accessible-format materials — are provided free of charge. The agency's distribution model is dual: direct-to-consumer services delivered through the Charleston headquarters and online portals, and a B2B-style channel model in which the Statewide Library Network and consulting services flow through 172 public library partners statewide.

Name

LIBRARY COMMISSION, WEST VIRGINIA

Legal name

West Virginia Library Commission

Website

https://librarycommission.wv.gov

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The West Virginia Library Commission is a state government agency headquartered in Charleston that serves as West Virginia's central library authority, providing free reference, digital lending, accessible-format, and television production services to all state residents and supporting the state's 172 public libraries through a shared statewide technology network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital library resources
• Accessible reading materials
• Library network infrastructure
• Government information services

Headquarters

HQ city

Charleston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (State and Federal): The West Virginia Library Commission operates as a state government agency funded through state appropriations and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants administered by IMLS. In FY2021, West Virginia expended $1,444,681 in LSTA funding. Services are provided free of charge to libraries and residents.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The West Virginia Library Commission operates as the state library agency, providing reference and research services, interlibrary loan coordination, federal and state government documents access, and library card services directly to West Virginia residents. It supports 172 public libraries statewide through the Statewide Library Network, technical infrastructure, consultation, continuing education, and federal grant administration. Specialized services include the Talking Books Library for blind and print disabled residents, the Library Television Network producing original programming for state agencies and nonprofits, and digital platforms (WV-Reads, WVInfoDepot) for eBooks, audiobooks, and research databases.

Product overview

The West Virginia Library Commission operates as the state library agency providing a comprehensive range of library services to West Virginia residents. The organization offers multiple integrated digital platforms including WV-Reads for eBook/eAudiobook lending, WVInfoDepot for database access, and streaming video services through the Library Television Network (LTN). Key programs include the Talking Books Library for visually impaired patrons, the West Virginia Center for the Book with its One Book One West Virginia reading program, and the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program. The commission supports 172 public libraries statewide through consulting services, continuing education, cataloging resources, and grant administration, while operating as a Federal Depository Library for government documents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Library Television Network: Television production division producing programming for state agencies and nonprofits, including shows like ArtWorks, History Alive, Vital Signs, and over 20 other series covering health, education, community, and Appalachian topics
• Talking Books Library
• West Virginia Center for the Book
• WV-Reads
• WVInfoDepot

Products and services

• State Library Services Provides reference services, access to printed and electronic materials, public access computers, federal and state government information, research assistance, and library collection assistance to West Virginia residents.
• Talking Books Library West Virginia's regional library of the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled, providing Talking Books, Braille books, large text materials, descriptive DVDs, and adaptive equipment to individuals who cannot use traditional print materials.
• Library Television Network (LTN) Produces hundreds of TV shows annually for state agencies and non-profits, provides production services to libraries, and streams content covering health, history, government, community issues, and arts throughout West Virginia.
• West Virginia Center for the Book Affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, hosted by WVLC to celebrate books and reading, highlight literary heritage, and sponsor book festivals and author events statewide.
• WV-Reads Digital Collection West Virginia Regional Electronic Audiovisual Download Service providing free eBooks and eAudiobooks checkout through OverDrive, available on Kindle, Nook, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, and most eBook readers.
• WVInfoDepot Database Portal Statewide database portal providing access to research databases, e-resources, and digital content for all West Virginians, including academic journals, newspapers, test prep, and educational resources.
• Federal Government Documents Depository Congressionally designated depository providing free public access to U.S. government information, also serving as the Clearinghouse for state documents.
• One Book One West Virginia State-wide book discussion group program designed to promote dialogue among community members, with annual adult and young readers titles selected through the Appalachian Heritage Writer-In-Residence Program.
• LTN Streaming Videos Archive of streaming video shows produced by the Library Television Network including programs on health, history, government, community, arts, and West Virginia topics, available on web browsers, Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and cell phones.
• State Library Card Free library card available to any West Virginia resident, providing access to state library services, databases, ILL services, and digital content through Libby and Hoopla.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 172 public libraries across West Virginia
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Center for the Book in the Library of CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The West Virginia Center for the Book is an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, established in 2001. This partnership brings the national Center's message of the importance of books and reading to audiences statewide and connects WV authors to the national literary community.
• West Virginia Humanities CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The WV Humanities Council co-sponsors the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program and other literary initiatives, providing funding and support for the Center for the Book's programming.
• Shepherd UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Shepherd University's Department of English and Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities hosts the Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence Program, which selects the One Book One West Virginia titles in partnership with the WV Center for the Book.
• Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)coreOthers · 1 January 2024IMLS is the primary federal source of support for the nation's libraries, administering the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) which provides funding to the West Virginia Library Commission. In FY2021, $1,444,681 in LSTA funding was expended in West Virginia.
• OverDrivemajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024OverDrive provides the WV-Reads digital collection platform enabling West Virginia residents to borrow e-books and audiobooks for free through their library cards.
• West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and HistorymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-sponsors the ArtWorks television program and other cultural programming produced by the Library Television Network.
• American Heart AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-hosts the From the Heart television program focusing on heart health initiatives in West Virginia through the Library Television Network.
• West Virginia State Treasurer's OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Co-hosts the Treasury Notes television program providing information about state government programs and the Treasurer's Office through the Library Television Network.
• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024WVLC serves as West Virginia's regional library of the NLS, a division of the Library of Congress, providing talking books, braille materials, and digital players to eligible residents.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Indiana State Library: Indiana's state library agency provides consulting, continuing education, and resource sharing to public libraries statewide. Comparable regional-scale peer in an adjacent Midwestern/Appalachian state profile.
• New York State Library: New York's state library agency provides research services, state and federal depository access, and library development support to public library systems across the state. Functionally equivalent role to WVLC at larger scale.
• California State Library: California's state library agency operates a Statewide Library Network providing consulting, technology infrastructure, and resource sharing to public libraries, including a notable Library Services and Technology Act grant program analogous to WVLC's.
• Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas's state library and archives commission provides library development, Talking Books accessibility services, and library consulting to public libraries statewide. Broadest direct functional analog to WVLC's combined service portfolio.
• Tennessee State Library and Archives: Tennessee's state library administers LSTA funding, Talking Books accessibility services, and library development consulting across the state. Comparable Appalachian/Southeast regional peer with similar rural service footprint.
• Library of Virginia: The Library of Virginia is Virginia's state library agency, providing reference services, government document stewardship, and support to public libraries statewide. It is the closest regional peer to WVLC given geographic adjacency and comparable scope.
• State Library of Ohio: Ohio's state library agency oversees library development, LSTA administration, and the Talking Books program serving blind/print-disabled patrons. Comparable scope and similar mix of statewide library support services.

Others

• Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): IMLS is the primary federal funding agency that channels LSTA dollars to WVLC and every other state library agency. Ecosystem participant and chief grantor; relationship is upstream rather than competitive.
• OverDrive (Libby): OverDrive operates the digital lending platform that powers WVLC's WV-Reads eBook/eAudiobook service and connects to the Libby app. Technology and integration partner rather than a competitor; relevant peer for digital distribution strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Library of Congress: The Library of Congress is the ultimate federal library and parent of the NLS program through which WVLC operates its Talking Books service. Not a peer in scale but a direct upstream partner and funder of multiple WVLC service lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WVLC
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/WVLibraryCommission
• Facebookfacebook.com/LibraryCommission
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/library-commission-west-virginia

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LIBRARY COMMISSION, WEST VIRGINIA