120 likes | 133 Views
This article explores the planning process and implementation of a shared Integrated Library System (ILS) within the Orbis.Cascade Alliance, consisting of 37 universities, colleges, and community colleges in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The article highlights the challenges and successes of the collaboration, as well as the benefits of streamlining resources and services for all member institutions.
E N D
All for One and One for All: Planning for a Consortial Next Generation ILS Ann E. Miller Head, Collection Services University of Oregon Chair, Collaborative Technical Services Team Orbis Cascade Alliance
Portland State University Reed College Saint Martin’s University Seattle Pacific University Seattle University Southern Oregon University The Evergreen State College University of Idaho University of Oregon University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Washington Walla Walla College Warner Pacific College Washington State University Western Oregon University Western Washington University Whitman College Willamette University Central Oregon Comm. College Central Washington University Chemeketa Community College Clark College Concordia University Eastern Oregon University Eastern Washington University George Fox University Lane Community College Lewis & Clark College Linfield College Mt. Hood Community College Oregon State University Oregon Health & Science Univ. Oregon Institute of Technology Oregon State University Pacific University Portland Community College
37 universities, colleges, and community colleges in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho • 258,000 students • 9.2 million titles representing 28.7 million items • Group purchases of electronic resources at a value of $8 million annually. • seeks to develop the combined collections of member institutions as one collection Obligatory statistics
Creation of the Orbis Cascade Alliance Strategic Agenda 2008-2009 • Identification of shared technical services as a strategic agenda item • R2 Report “The Extended Library Enterprise: Collaborative Technical Services and Shared Staffing” • A starting point for collaborative technical services discussions • Could see possibilities, but also problematic areas • Initial collaborative projects suggest a need for a shared ILS “The Story so Far…”
Shared ILS Groups formed to review the possibility each year from 2009-2011 • Shared ILS RFP in 2011-2012 • Chose Ex Libris Alma/Primo in Spring 2012 • 4 Cohorts between Jan. 2013-Dec. 2014 • First going live in June • Six months each • Shared ILS Implementation Team & Collaborative Technical Services Team working together on planning and training “The story so far… the continuing saga”
Collection Development and Management Committee • Shared ILS Committee(s) • Collaborative Technical Services Team • Each working towards same goals from different perspectives • EBL/DDA project • Collaborative collecting • Streamlining and facilitating efficiencies Building Synchronicity
Start with strong existing collaborative ties • Summit borrowing • E-resource purchasing • Strong relationships foster trust and mutual goals • Projects some of which succeed and some fail Boarding the Collaboration Train
Patrons • Reorienting vision of library from ownership to access • Provide for exceptions when necessary • Staff • Stress value of individual contributions not at question • Ensure that communication of the vision is consistent • Administrators • Ensure that realistic outcomes conveyed • Don’t sell as a single solution to challenges Communicating the Vision
Local needs/Consortial needs • Local or Consortial level work • Thinking outside the box, but practically so • Decisions for the consortial long term or local short term Balancing Act
Expand the resources and services available to Alliance users • Do “things” once for the benefit of all • E-resource management • MARCIVE • YBP Approval plans • Consortial collection analysis • Collection development • Retention decisions • Solidify trusting relationships Vision for the future
Some initial resistance and concern • Time to build relationships • Projects always take a bit longer than anticipated • To serve on lots of committees • To support staff in involvement • Learn to know new people and learn from them What to Expect when you’re Expecting (to collaborate)
Thank-you! Collaboration is a beautiful thing.