Consortial collaboration : a perspective from the U.S.

Abstract(s)

The whole is stronger that the sum of its parts. This can be true for consortia as it is for our member libraries. Consortia that work together face an array of challenges yet may also reap significant rewards. What are the pros, cons, advantages, and pitfalls, when consortia ollaborate? We will explore the models for consortial co-operation and offer perspectives drawn from U.S. The Orbis Cascade Alliance provides a range of services to member libraries, and to other libraries in the region. Chief among these are the Summit union catalog, Summit Borrowing, database licensing and courier services. Orbis Cascade Alliance administers a membership program to provide courier service for libraries in the region. The daily service covers more than 60 dropsites in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, serving over 240 public, school, college and university libraries. Orbis Cascade Alliance negotiates and oversees a contract, including handling business and financial transactions with the contractor and monitoring service, facilitates participation in the program by convening meetings and using e-mail and other methods to solicit ideas and opinions about courier service, and provides supporting information to participating libraries, such as service updates and program guidelines.