Higher earning – for‐profit institutions as a revenue stream for non‐profit institutions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider establishing relationships between the author's college's library and the libraries at for‐profit schools in the area.Design/methodology/approachThe author examines literature, talks with David Moore at the University of Alabama‐Huntsville's library, and reviews websites of local proprietary schools.FindingsThe paper finds that libraries do not appear to be as integral to proprietary institutions of higher learning as they are to traditional colleges and universities, but students and faculty appreciate any efforts. Proprietary schools could save money and infrastructure by outsourcing library services to nearby traditional schools. Traditional schools could use an additional revenue stream.Originality/valueThere is quite a bit of research comparing proprietary and traditional colleges in general, but very little comparing their libraries.