Trust me: the keys to success in cooperative collections ventures

Abstract

Purpose – Cooperation among research libraries is a venerable pursuit with a long history. The purpose of this paper is to examine three collaborative tools and programs ranging from the late 1970s to the present to identify the promise of each as well as the challenges, the factors that both facilitate and interfere with true cooperation, highlighting the lessons learned. Design/methodology/approach – The author analyzes the development and functions of the Conspectus of the Research Libraries Group, the Global Resources Program of the Association of Research Libraries, and the Triangle Research Libraries Network in the state of North Carolina, USA. Findings – While the goals of collaborative collections initiatives are laudable, it is often difficult to accomplish true, balanced, and lasting cooperation that results in both expanded access and financial reallocation. Originality/value – The study is a first-hand, inside look at the methods and mechanisms of cooperative collection development that offers suggestions for future partnerships on either a small or a large scale.