Library Consortia: A Valuable Partnership for Reaching Out to

the World ETTLIS International Conference

December 18-20, 2008Professor Grace M. MillsHamline University, USA

1

Introduction

Focus of this presentation

What is a consortium?

Why is it important for this

2

Types of Consortia

Local

Regional

Multi regional

Specialized focus

Different levels of membership

3

Opportunities

Collection development Chance to buy more varied titles Chance for more depth in individual collections

Professional development Staff becomes more knowledgeable Staff has more chances to see other

institutions

Purchasing power Discounts available from vendor Chance to review purchase with similar

institutions4

Challenges

Autonomy Library gains versus losses

Decision making Purchasing decisions? Disagreements?

Financial considerations Added costs necessary? Technology needs? Capital needed?

Meetings When (how frequent) & where (location)

5

Conclusions

Careful consideration and constant evaluation is necessary.

The rewards of being part of the greater world are priceless.