MLNC was founded as the Missouri Library Network Corporation on October 19, 1981 by the representatives of thirty-one Missouri libraries. Our mission is to organize and deliver to its member libraries and other contracting entities OCLC-based information services, related electronic services and content, and training in the management and use of information.

MLNC provides discounts on a variety of library-related products and services, including electronic reference databases from vendors such as LexisNexis, Oxford University Press, CQ, and others and library supply catalogs (such as DEMCO and BRODART). Except for OCLC, MLNC products and services are available to libraries and institutions outside of Missouri.