The USDA/Mann Library Partnership: A Collaboration Between Public Agencies and an Academic Library

Abstract

The goals of any partnership have much to do with the mission and needs of each organization. The partnership between the Albert R. Mann Library and three agencies of the United States (US) Department of Agriculture helps illustrate one type of partnership. The partnership between the Albert R. Mann Library and three economic agencies of the US Department of Agriculture is already in its third year. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economics and Statistics System was introduced to the public at the end of 1993. In April 1995 the System was expanded significantly with the addition of time-sensitive commodity reports as an important feature of the service. The use of the USDA System has steadily increased. In May 1996 there were over 12,000 logins to the System. The USDA economic agencies are no exception to this phenomenon.