Great expectations : library collaboration in challenging times

Abstract

Library Consortia are facing crises of their own after the global financial crisis but in this are setting new directions. These directions are born out of clear understanding of their member needs and their changed circumstances. Consortia are the new glue linking libraries in their search for value, for further service capability and the power through aggregated negotiating position. The lessons described in this paper arise out of recent experience in the United States but have relevance on a broader scale. It is still a work in progress but there is much to be learned thus far.