Collaboration and co-operation in Asian library resource collections : an example from Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Purpose: In this paper I will present an example of collaborative work: an international Asian collections benchmarking study conducted by ALIM (Asian Libraries in Melbourne). The ALIM team worked together to compare Asian collections in university libraries around the world, in terms of staffing, holdings, budget and areas of collection strength. Design/methodology/approach: The survey target libraries were chosen based on those belonging to the Australian “Group of Eight” and the international Universitas 21. We sought out information on the libraries’ homepages and sent out a survey by email to library staff at these institutions. Findings: While this is still a work in progress, preliminary findings suggest that ALIM libraries are ranked in the middle of the group of universities surveyed. The survey also revealed data about hitherto unknown collections. Research limitations/implications: The research is limited by lack of responses from all universities. Further, ALIM projects are undertaken in addition to our usual duties, and this can cause delays in collecting and analysing data. Practical implications: Our study demonstrates that staff at specialized libraries benefit from the opportunity to work collaboratively, share their expertise and expand their professional networks. Senior management must encourage and support such activity and most importantly, be actively involved themselves. Library patrons will benefit from our expanded knowledge, greater resources access and inter-university collegiality. Originality/value: Managers of specialized libraries who are seeking possible answers to budget cuts and staff shortages will find this paper useful. Individual library staff should get to know their counterparts in local institutions, and thus expand their networks and assistance offered to researchers.