From CALIS and CASHL to the library consortium trend in China

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to provide suggestions and predictions on library consortium development trend in China under new circumstances through the enlightenments summarized from CALIS and CASHL. Design/methodology/approach – By an overview and comparative analyses of the similar and different consortium characteristics of CALIS and CASHL – two most influential library consortia in China, mainly on sources of funds, organizational management, cooperative collection development, collection character, resource sharing and services etc., this paper summarizes their main consortium advantages and disadvantages to gain valuable enlightenments. Findings – Seven points of advantages and tree points of disadvantages on consortium in CALIS and CASHL are summarized; and by the enlightenments gain from CALIS and CASHL, suggestions and predictions on library consortium trend in China are as follows: the cost-saving and high effective models in CALIS and CASHL will be promoted, the uniformity and standardization construction will earn more respect and be realized, library consortia will develop to the digital library direction, the consortium scope will be broadened, different library consortia will move toward integration. Originality/value – The comparative analysis of CALIS and CASHL on their consortium characteristics is original. The summary of their main consortium advantages and disadvantages, together with the suggestions and predictions of this paper to library consortium trend in China provide useful references for researchers, the public and decision-makers in China as well as other countries on library consortium experiences, improving and developing directions.