| dc.description.abstract | Library Consortia evolved as a group activity over the years to empower the collective bargaining with publishers. The libraries felt the urge to collaborate not only for viable economics, but also for enhanced information access and also to utilize the technology for resource sharing. Consortia and bargaining are considered to be complimentary to each other and this has necessitated the librarians and publishers to strike a relationship for a better understanding of budget distribution. In a developing country like India, it is absolutely necessary to keep a check on the optimum utilization of allocated budget in any library. How far the collaborative gesture will help the libraries to achieve their target of accessing unlimited information in limited budget? The concept of Consortia practice has been discussed in only a small percentage of libraries in India, and can this be a yardstick to conclude whether the Consortia culture has really caught up aggressively or should we admit that we have a long way to go? Consortia that work together faces an array of challenges yet may also reap significant rewards. In this paper I have attempted to highlight the pros and cons, advantages and pitfalls, when consortia collaborate.
While talking about Consortia it is essential to discuss about e publishing since both are intertwined to create an environment for the scholars who seek more information using technology. E publishing has taken the lead and while the consortia has been in support of e-access to information; it has also created a situation to initiate a more meaningful access to information by way of promoting 'Open Access'. An easy transition for libraries, which are yet to join a consortium. However, these two concepts are totally different, as far as the economics is concerned. According to ICOLC, 2004 e-info guidelines, Consortia concept needs redefining in support of 'Open Access', as new access model. An active consortium has a team of librarians who collaborate professionally to make-the consortium succeed. The same level of collaboration is shifted to include the scholars and researchers along with publishers in initiating the 'Open Access' mechanism. I have also discussed the role of librarians in this transition of collaboration, to enumerate the expectations and responsibilities envisaged in support of the changed scholarly communication. | en_US |
