PINES member libraries adhere to a common set of policies and procedures, including standard borrowing periods for materials, but retain autonomy under the governance of their local library boards of trustees.
PINES differs from most other large library consortia in that all members share a single library automation system and bibliographic database. The system is centrally managed by the PINES team at Georgia Public Library Service, but each library system is responsible for their own acquisitions and holdings maintenance. PINES staff provide help desk support, training, and assistance with joint purchases of peripheral equipment. A courier transports materials throughout the entire PINES network of libraries.
