Identifies five institutional forms of library consortia, one of which is local consortia or proximal networks, and discusses issues that apply to local library consortia. Highlights include redefinition of the library role, appropriate technology, bibliographic control, direct access, governance, and financing. (10 references) (CLB)

Presents a case study of Empire Express, a resource sharing network among the libraries of the State University of New York (SUNY) University Centers at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Stony Brook, along with Syracuse University. The network involves an expedited interlibrary loan service. (Author/LRW)

Information on library networks that was included in a survey conducted by the Center for Education Statistics--the "Survey of Library Networks and Cooperative Library Organizations: 1985-1986"--indicates that there were 760 library networks at that time, with aggregate library membership estimated to be 76,280. Over three-fourths of the networks…

This paper discusses the services offered by OhioLINK, a consortia providing a variety of services to a statewide user population of college and university libraries, focusing on the impact of these services on traditional interlibrary loan. The first section describes patron-initiated book requesting. The second section addresses the Electronic…

As interlibrary cooperation has proliferated in the last several decades, multitype library organizations and systems have emerged as important forces in librarianship. The need for thoughtful and organized strategic planning is an important cornerstone for the success of organizations of all sizes. Part of a project by the Interlibrary…

Reviews the resources available through the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) Web site, a consortium of the libraries of the 39 state-assisted colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. States that VIVA provides, in an equitable, cooperative, and cost-effective manner, enhanced access to library and information for these higher…

This paper reviews the evolution of interlibrary lending (ILL) activities in Hong Kong and answers the following frequently asked questions using the City University of Hong Kong as an example: (1) Who may use the service? (2) How do the users submit their requests? (3) How about charges? (4) Who are the major overseas document suppliers for…

Discusses the implementation of the OhioLINK (Ohio Library and Information Network) system, an integrated library system linking 23 public and private academic institutions and the Ohio State Library. Topics include a history of OhioLINK; organizational structure; decision-making procedures; public relations strategies; cooperative circulation;…

Presents a view of interlibrary cooperation as practiced, discussing the organizational components of successful cooperation, the history and current state of cooperation, and the future of cooperation in American libraries. Uses as one example, OhioLINK, a statewide consortium of academic libraries designed to move materials between Ohio…

This report describes the development of the Forest Trail Library Consortium (FTLC), a network of academic, public, and school libraries in Texas. The growth of FTLC from 4 charter members to its current 16 members is traced, including details about goals and funding. The role of special interest groups (SIGs) is examined, and the goals and…

This paper discusses GAELIC (Gauteng and Environs Library Consortium), a regional consortium of South African higher education libraries with the vision of creating a virtual library by linking together autonomous libraries via networks. Topics covered include: (1) GAELIC objectives; (2) selection of INNOPAC as the common library system for GAELIC…

Discussion of resource sharing and interlibrary loans in Illinois libraries focuses on patron-initiated interlibrary loans. The implementation of a patron-initiated service in the Lincoln Trail Libraries System Automation Consortium is described; results are discussed; and a shift in lending and borrowing patterns is examined. (LRW)

Discusses libraries' participation in consortia, cooperatives, or networks to help cope with the financial pressures created by more available materials and less money. Reasons for participating are examined, factors to determine the value of belonging are suggested, cost factors are considered, and cooperative collection development is described.…

The continuing problem of the high cost of accessing scientific, technical, and medical (STM) literature haunts both developed and developing economies. Maintaining access to significant research and scholarship at a time when both the volume and price of information have increased nearly three-fold in the last decade requires fresh strategies and…

Sharing a local automated library system will generally reduce the costs of automation for each participating library and will facilitate the sharing of resources. To set up a consortium, libraries must first identify and agree on governance issues and methods for dealing with these issues. Issues range from ownership, management, and location of…