Describes how many college libraries are joining consortia as an economical way to expand their offerings, but that the groups face new competitive pressures. (EV)

Examines the development of the Michigan Research Libraries Triangle, formed by the education librarians of Michigan State University at East Lansing, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Wayne State University. Explores the unique qualities of each institution's history that have influenced cooperation and considers future possibilities. (LRW)

Discusses results of the BYTES (Books You Teach Every Semester) project, a consortial study that investigated whether the same books were used for reserve readings at academic libraries and whether they should be made available in an electronic format. Recommends collaboration between libraries and publishers to supply material in electronic…

Six papers are presented concerning the trends and issues in interinstitutional cooperation. Topics cover national cooperative trends, case study in starting a consortium; consortia and institutional change, library networks and what to expect, higher education management, financing higher education in Pennsylvania, and making more states more…

Although spiraling costs and reduced budgets require that small academic libraries form clusters to share resources and services, consortia and library networks so far have taken only tentative or shallow steps in this direction. Real and meaningful steps can and must be taken to develop joint acquisition policies, effective and timely…

Using the example of the Virtual Library of Virginia, describes how library consortia are in a state of transformation as technology enables the development of virtual libraries while expanding opportunities for sharing printed works. (EV)

Discusses the development of successful pricing algorithms for cooperative library automation projects. Highlights include desirable characteristics of pricing measures, including simplicity and the ability to allow for system growth; problems with transaction-based systems; and a review of the pricing strategies of seven library consortia.…

Presents a case study of Empire Express, a resource sharing network among the libraries of the State University of New York (SUNY) University Centers at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, along with Syracuse University. The network involves an expedited interlibrary loan service. (Author/LRW)

Explores library consortia in the United States with particular focus on academic libraries. Highlights include the history of early consortia; economic issues, including sharing resources and cost savings; types of consortia, including regional, statewide, and those with a focus on automation; and groups of consortia. (Author/LRW)

The director of the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) provides historical perspective on CRL's development and discusses issues that have triggered debate on its objectives, programs, fees, and membership categories. Reactions to CRL by seven directors of research libraries, both members and nonmembers of CRL, are presented. (EJS)

The Research Libraries Group is expanding its mission to include alliances with the archival community, the museum community, independent research libraries, and learned societies. Areas of emphasis include collections and information delivery, protecting materials, and assisting in development of computer systems. (DB)

Reviews the history of library consortia, examines present activities, and considers future possibilities. Topics include consortium and cooperation; academic consortia; library automation and the development of library consortia; consortia with other countries; and electronic libraries. Tables include library consortia establishment, institutions…

Describes the MALMAD (Israel Center for Digital Information Services) consortium that was set up by the eight universities of Israel to serve as a common framework for the procurement and licensing of digital information. Discusses the organizational framework, budget, services, and future plans. (Author/LRW)

Describes GAELIC (Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium), the largest academic library consortium in South Africa. Formed in response to conditions in higher education and the need to become more cost effective, GAELIC is working to overcome the effects of the previous government's discriminatory approach through resource sharing and…

A review of cooperative collection development activities among Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions indicates that many are involved with local, statewide, or regional consortia that develop and operate one or more fairly traditional cooperative programs. This kit contains 11 documents illustrating cooperative activities:…