Library Consortia Models

The changes in the working environment of libraries most likely have increased the need for cooperation. In the digital environment, services can be centralized, resulting in significant savings, and the division of labour among various stakeholders. Enhanced user services and greater satisfaction of users must be a principal rationale for any sort of cooperative activity among libraries. Libraries worldwide recognize that they can no longer endeavour to own all the materials that their readers need or want, and that sharing is necessary in order to achieve maximum satisfaction of readers. Cooperation in terms of resource sharing and collection development is one way to satisfy this demand. The most compelling reason for cooperation is financial. The universe of information is continuing to expand exponentially, whether it is traditional publishing, electronic information or Internet resources. This chapter provides a detailed account about the various models toward forming library consortia.