Managing the Advantages and Challenges of Multiple Library Consortia: The View from Within the Library

ABSTRACT

The authors are both managers in OhioLINK libraries and have complex experiences working within a variety of simultaneous library consortial agreements. Their librarians'-eye view of consortia allows for a discussion of the nature of that landscape, some perspectives on the benefits and advantages of consortia as well as thoughts on the challenges and limitations of consortia. They conclude that while consortial partnerships hold the key to greater efficiencies and strength in libraries, the overlapping layers of consortial agreements that connect libraries form almost a web that can be constricting. Libraries should continue to be creative about how they exploit the power of consortial relationships, but they also need to learn how to lower the administrative overhead created by these agreements, particularly in the areas of communication and the organizational flow of information. Finally, the authors recommend that consortium committees spend more time on short- and long-term strategic planning.     

International Library Consortia

Summary

Library consortia have grown substantially over the past ten years, both within North America and globally. As this resurgent consortial movement has begun to mature, and as publishers and vendors have begun to adapt to consortial purchasing models, consortia have expanded their agendas for action. The movement to globalize consortia is traced (including the development and current work of the International Coalition of Library Consortia-ICOLC). A methodology is explored to classify library consortia by articulating the key factors that affect and distinguish consortia as organizations within three major areas: strategic, tactical, and practical (or managerial) concerns. Common consortial values are examined, and a list of known international library consortia appears in the appendix.     

Louisiana Academic Libraries

Abstract

The state of Louisiana has a long history of consortial activities among academic libraries. Having this infrastructure in place contributed to the ease of creation of a distance library services network that includes both public and private universities. This paper traces the history of academic library consortia in Louisiana, and provides methodologies and results of several surveys of distance education students. The results of a survey currently being conducted are forthcoming.     

Shutting Down a Consortial Digital Repository Service

ABSTRACT

This column examines the lifecycle of one consortial digital repository service, the Alliance Digital Repository. Though the consortial service provided important infrastructure for members, the nature of digital repository work made it difficult to realize economies of scale. After eight years, members discontinued the shared service and replaced it with single-institution repositories that they could more readily support with the resources available to them. Based on my experiences helping members transition from shared to single-institution repositories, I offer advice for administrators planning or participating in consortial digital repository services.     

A Learning Experience

Summary

This paper reviews the history of the CIC Electronic Journals Collection Project. The organizational model used by the consortia for this particular project is described, explored and critiqued. Alternative models of organization are presented and explored. Additionally the staffing and equipment needed to build and maintain such a project are described in detail. A special challenge of consortial projects is the need for close coordination and broad communication. Both staffing and organization are discussed in light of these issues.     

Skills for Effective Participation in Consortia

SUMMARY

Consortial participation provides opportunities and challenges for libraries. The intellectual and financial benefits are readily apparent-if libraries work together, they gain access to more content at a lower price. However, consortial participation also provides challenges with regard to coordination and communication. Though library directors/deans often provide initial leadership, especially in the selection of the type and range of consortial participation, collection development and electronic resources (ER) librarians tend to lead the way in work on the more detailed tasks that are involved. It is, primarily, more experienced librarians who are assigned to work with consortial representatives; there is a lot of on-the-job learning.     

Cataloging for Consortial Collections: A Survey

ABSTRACT

Libraries face many challenges in making electronic resources accessible and discoverable. In particular, the exponentially incre-asing number of licensed and open access electronic resources and the dynamic nature of consortial collections (platform changes, title transference between packages, and package overlap) present challenges for cataloging and discovery. From March 21 to April 10, 2017, the authors performed a selected review of library literature and conducted a survey of library consortia worldwide to ascertain the cataloging models, strategies, and advanced technological tools used to ensure discovery of consortial collections. The findings from the literature review and survey are summarized in this article.     

Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) for Library Consortia

This column focuses on formal collaboration and networking among libraries through consortia. It offers in-depth examinations of issues facing modern library consortia including (but not limited to) e-resource licensing, ebooks, next generation integrated library systems, shared print archiving, shared digital repositories, governance and other relevant topics. Contributions are accepted for this column and must be submitted to George Machovec (george@coalliance.org). Contact the column editor for suggested topics, deadlines and formatting.

Library consortia are under increasing scrutiny regarding their value to member libraries. Most consortia offer a suite of services which can be valued either quantitatively or qualitatively to determine a return on investment for money and time put into consortial activities. Various common consortial activities are discussed with thoughts regarding their value to local libraries. Recommendations and suggestions are provided on how to perform a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)/Return on Investment (ROI).     

Investment Policies for Library Consortia

Some library consortia have investment portfolios which are under long term management. Having a proper written investment policy will aid in good governance and help the consortium properly manage its assets for the long term. A policy will define investment objectives, prohibited investments, a review process, a spending policy, and other needed details. A review of some special consortial needs provides insight into some of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by library consortia.     

What's the Use of Use? : Return on Investment Strategies for Consortial DDA Programs

Column Editor's Note. This column focuses on formal collaboration and networking among libraries through consortia. It offers in-depth examinations of issues facing modern library consortia including (but not limited to) e-resource licensing, ebooks, next generation integrated library systems, shared print archiving, shared digital repositories, governance and other relevant topics. Contributions are accepted for this column and must be submitted to George Machovec (george@coalliance.org). Contact the column editor for suggested topics, deadlines and formatting.

ConnectNY has been involved in consortial e-book projects since 2010. Based upon the experience of these group e-book projects, we will explore different methods for assuming the shared cost of group e-book programs and then describe ways in which DDA programs may promote a positive Return on Investment (ROI) for groups as compared to individual institutions. We will argue that while use is a factor that can be taken into account when distributing cost amongst members, a budget-based percentage approach will allow consortia to effectively initiate and manage such projects over time.     

Consortia Taking Responsibility for their Technology Ecosystem: Cultivating Agency with Emerging Community Owned Solutions

In an era where market consolidation is becoming the norm for proprietary library content and technology services, library consortia are left wondering what they can do to mitigate or counteract the resulting negative consequences. This article explores challenges with respect to market consolidation, and the approaches taken in recent collaborative community-owned projects, including CC-PLUS and FOLIO, in which the authors are involved. These projects may impede market consolidation effects and serve as examples, providing new models for consortial collaboration and those interested in cultivating agency in the provision of core library technology services.     

Consortial and Reciprocal Agreements in Academic Libraries

Abstract

This article presents the results of a survey of consortial and reciprocal agreements among academic interlibrary loan departments. An electronic survey was created using SurveyMonkey software. The survey consisted of 18 questions (Appendix A). The questions covered the types of consortial agreements by geographic area, what types of items are loaned, the number of reciprocal agreements, fees for non-member libraries and resource sharing agreements that use integrated library systems. The purpose of the survey was to gather information on the various types of consortial agreements in use today in interlibrary loan departments.     

Comparison of Summit Union Catalog Borrowing and Interlibrary Loan Returnables at Eastern Washington University

ABSTRACT

In 2000, Eastern Washington University became part of the Cascade Consortium and participated in consortial borrowing through the Cascade Union Catalog. In 2003, the Orbis and Cascade consortia merged into the Orbis Cascade Alliance, which manages the Summit Union Catalog. In fall 2004, the Pickup Anywhere option of Innovative Interfaces' INN-Reach module was implemented, allowing patrons to pick up consortial materials at many of the member libraries, not just their own institution's library. Since 2000, Cascade or Summit consortial borrowing has increased while other interlibrary loans of borrowed returnables has decreased. It is too early to tell if Pickup Anywhere will have an effect on Eastern Washington University's Interlibrary Loan department. The problems library staff reported regarding Pickup Anywhere are also examined.     

Pandemic Impacts on Library Consortia and Their Sustainability

Abstract

Library consortia are planning on how their funding, programs, and services may need to change with the societal tumult caused by the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Most consortia in North America are either state agencies or non-profit corporations which may have different approaches and options available for solving substantial budget shortfalls. Changes may need to take place in staffing, programs, and services. Some consortia may have financial portfolios which may help on filling-in budget holes. Other consortia have applied for, and received, funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help with staffing. Many library consortia will not see a quick recovery but may have long-term consequences as their member libraries and parent organizations try to recover.     

Balancing Statewide and Local Digital Reference Service

Abstract

As digital and chat reference services become established as another way to do business, many libraries juggle the delivery of consortial and local virtual reference services. Balancing services without overtaxing staff and resources presents a number of challenges. How, for example, do libraries staff more than one chat reference service in addition to traditional services? Or more critically, how are subject specialists used to their greatest advantage in a multi-type library service? This article explores the benefits and issues of offering service at the statewide and local level based on OSU's experience and describes how OSU responded to these issues.     

海峡西岸区域图书馆联盟体建设探究

建设海峡西岸区域图书馆联盟体是与国家战略规划相适应的举措。基于对专业图书馆联盟、区域图书馆联盟等联盟模式的研究与分析,确立联盟体所具有的管理中心、分中心和成员馆三级体系结构,提出同系统、同专业和跨系统图书馆联盟分步建设的新策略,最后讨论联盟体的主要任务和服务。     

美国跨系统图书馆联盟合并典型LYRASIS的实践及启示

[目的/意义] LYRASIS是在美国经济危机背景下由多个联盟合并而成,是联盟大合作、大协作的典型样本。国内跨系统联盟发展遇到瓶颈,通过对LYRASIS的实践调研分析,对我国跨系统联盟建设提出建议。[方法/过程] 通过LYRASIS等相关网站、数据库检索获取相关文献、LYRASIS相关人员的邮件等调研,获得LYRASIS联盟的翔实数据资料。[结果/结论] 调研发现：LYRASIS成员馆类型多样,有多元的资金来源,开展多样化的服务与项目合作,拥有很强的技术服务竞争优势,制定成员馆需求驱动的战略规划。提出国内跨系统区域联盟需要调整联盟运作模式,争取多元资金来源渠道,形成有竞争力的硬性优势,做好战略规划,促进区域间联盟合作。     

An Experiment: Combining Interlibrary Loan with a Science/Engineering Reference Department

ABSTRACT

This article reports on survey findings investigating the impact of statewide library consortia on Interlibrary Loan departments and their potential impact in the State University of New York library system as it moves toward creating its statewide integrated system, called SUNY Connect. The surveys were sent to a sampling of 75 libraries in three existing statewide library consortia, VIVA in Virginia, GALILEO in Georgia and OhioLINK in Ohio. The results of this survey indicate what changes Interlibrary Loan departments may see in workflow, staffing, and technology when joining a statewide consortia.