The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana was founded in 1992 as one of the first state-wide automated resource sharing networks for private academic libraries. Initial funding for PALNI's shared library automation system and network was provided through a 3-year, $4.9M grant from The Lilly Endowment. In addition, The Endowment awarded PALNI a follow-up $2.6M grant in 2001 to further upgrade and enhance its shared system and resource-sharing network. Annual operating costs are shared among the 23 participating small college and seminary libraries throughout the State of Indiana.

The PALNI system is managed by a project team at MCLS (Midwest Collaborative for Library Services) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The system includes a shared online library catalog, as well as subsystems to support each library's circulation control, technical services, and reference activities. Select any of the menu choices to learn more about PALNI and its participating libraries.