What successful library consortium models can you learn from?

Library consortiums are collaborative arrangements among libraries that share resources, services, and expertise to achieve common goals and enhance their users' experience. They can take various forms and operate at different levels, from local to regional to national. But what are some of the successful models of library consortiums that you can learn from and adapt to your own context? Here are four examples of library consortiums that have demonstrated innovation, impact, and sustainability in different areas of library services.

1 Cooperative collection development

One of the main benefits of library consortiums is the ability to pool and optimize their collections, reducing duplication, increasing access, and saving costs. A successful example of cooperative collection development is the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), a consortium of over 200 academic and independent research libraries in North America and beyond. CRL acquires and preserves rare and specialized materials that support research and teaching in various disciplines, such as newspapers, government publications, dissertations, and archival collections. CRL members can access these materials through interlibrary loan, electronic delivery, or on-site consultation. CRL also collaborates with other consortia and organizations to expand its collection and digitize its holdings.

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Martin Namacheka

Information Specialist | Y'ALL Fellowship | Certified Virtual Assistant | Connecting People with Knowledge.
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There are several successful library consortium models that can serve as examples and provide valuable insights for libraries looking to implement similar initiatives. These include OhioLINK consortium, CLC Consortium in Connecticut, PALCI consortium based in Pennsylvania, Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN), Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries, and Orbis Cascade Alliance. These notable examples provide valuable lessons on how to create a thriving and sustainable consortium.

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Aminata (Myna) Gueye

Archivistes /Documentalistes
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Le dÃ©veloppement d'une collection coopÃ©rative est une excellente approche pour maximiser les ressources et offre un accÃ¨s plus large aux documents. Dans ce modÃ¨le, les bibliothÃ¨ques membres contribuent Ã la constitution et Ã l'enrichissement d'une collection partagÃ©e. Cela permet de diversifier les ressources disponibles et d'offrir une plus grande variÃ©tÃ© de documents aux utilisateurs.

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Millicent Ongus

Snr Library Assistant, Egerton University
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Collective collection development in libraries involve collaborative efforts among libraries to build and maintain a comprehensive collection of resources. This can include sharing resources, coordinating acquisitions, and leveraging each library's strengths to benefit the entire community. It helps optimize limited resources and enhance access to diverse materials for patrons with shared interests. It also helps to minimize duplication in purchases and subscriptions and instead broadening the resources to access. An example in Kenya is KLISC.

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2 Shared catalog and discovery system

Another way that library consortiums can enhance their services is by implementing a shared catalog and discovery system that allows users to search and access the collections of multiple libraries with one interface. A successful example of a shared catalog and discovery system is the Orbis Cascade Alliance (OCA), a consortium of 39 academic libraries in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. OCA uses a shared library management system called Alma and a shared discovery layer called Primo, which enable users to find and request materials from any OCA library, as well as from other partner libraries and databases. OCA also offers other services, such as courier delivery, e-resource management, digital preservation, and professional development.

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Aminata (Myna) Gueye

Archivistes /Documentalistes
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L'apprentissage collaboratif et l'innovation vont souvent de pair, lorsque les personnes travaillent ensemble et partagent leurs connaissances. Cela favorise l'Ã©mergence d'idÃ©es nouvelles et innovantes. Il permet d'exploiter les diffÃ©rentes perspectives et compÃ©tences des membres d'une Ã©quipe, ce qui peut conduire Ã des solutions crÃ©atives et novatrices.

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3 Collaborative learning and innovation

Library consortiums can also foster collaborative learning and innovation among their members, by providing opportunities for networking, training, research, and advocacy. A successful example of a collaborative learning and innovation consortium is the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), a consortium of over 200 libraries, cultural institutions, and information organizations in the US and abroad. CLIR supports its members in advancing the creation, curation, and use of digital resources, as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities of the changing information landscape. CLIR offers various programs and initiatives, such as fellowships, grants, publications, events, and partnerships.

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Jamilu Abdullahi

Library Electronic Resources and Access Services Manager at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
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Actually, library as a hub enhances innovation through working together in a smaller or larger group. Library is applying collaborative learning approach in which users put collective effort into innovative projects. But some important things in library collaborative learning are the value of teamwork and communication. It provides platform for sharing ideas and inspiring others with a librarian serving as key motivator for ensuring success. Ideas are worth sharing in library, and librarians take the responsibility of ensuring that the process is goal- oriented.

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4 Consortial licensing and purchasing

Finally, library consortiums can leverage their collective bargaining power and expertise to negotiate and purchase licenses and subscriptions for electronic resources, such as journals, databases, e-books, and software. A successful example of a consortial licensing and purchasing consortium is the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC), a voluntary network of over 200 library consortiums from around the world. ICOLC facilitates communication and collaboration among its members, as well as with publishers and vendors, to promote best practices, standards, and policies for e-resource licensing and purchasing. ICOLC also advocates for the interests and needs of its members and their users, such as fair pricing, open access, and data privacy.

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5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Directory

What successful library consortium models can you learn from?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Cooperative collection development

2 Shared catalog and discovery system

3 Collaborative learning and innovation

4 Consortial licensing and purchasing

5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Library Services

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Directory

What successful library consortium models can you learn from?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Cooperative collection development

2 Shared catalog and discovery system

3 Collaborative learning and innovation

4 Consortial licensing and purchasing

5 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Library Services

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