Cooperation through consortia : opportunities for special libraries

Abstract

Shrinking budgets and increasing user expectations are impacting on how libraries manage their budgets, staff and infrastructure. Advances in technology and subsequent changes in user behaviours mean that we must examine how place, content, use and access are being transformed and in response, develop new strategies for cost-effective and efficient information provision. Collaboration and cooperation by libraries within a specific sector (intra-sectoral) can enable the provision of an increased range of products and services whilst providing levels of support unavailable to libraries operating independently. Extending the collaboration and cooperation beyond the sector boundaries (cross-sectoral) to include other types of libraries can result in further potential cost-savings and service enhancements. This paper explores the opportunities available to libraries through consortia. They include - ■ collaborative purchasing of print and electronic resources; ■ cooperative collection development to support specific institutional needs and the overall needs of the sector; ■ shared/enhanced access through virtual catalogues and borrowing programs; ■ technology support; ■ measurement, evaluation and statistics; ■ continuing professional development and skills-based training for library staff; and ■ off-site storage solutions.