IHLS provides delivery, automation (online catalog software) to the libraries of southern and parts of central Illinois, and talking book services, as well as certain grant program services, such as the Cataloging Maintenance Center to libraries statewide.

Mission Statement:
The Illinois Heartland Library System is a community of multitype libraries developing partnerships and sharing resources in pursuit of excellent service.

Vision:
We envision a future where all libraries & information partners collaborate to provide accessible & innovative services.

Illinois Heartland Library System covers 28,141 square miles and serves a population of 2,248,634. There are 585 member libraries: 41 Academic, 229 Public, 259 School and 56 Special.

IHLS was created by the merger of four regional library systems in southern and central Illinois:

Lewis & Clark Library System in Edwardsville
Lincoln Trail Libraries System in Champaign
Rolling Prairie Library System in Decatur 
Shawnee Library System in Carterville