The Future of Library Collaboration

The network reshapes the library,” and one of the most common ways for libraries to enjoy network effects is by participating in cooperative organizations. OCLC, LYRASIS, and the plethora of regional membership collaboratives have historically offered many benefits in both collection development and library systems management: shared cataloging, database licensing, streaming resources, cloud-sourced discovery systems, library management platforms, collaborative research, and continuing education. However, COVID-19 and the global economic effects of community health measures have already impacted library budgets, staffing, and capabilities, and have forced many libraries and cultural heritage institutions to “pivot” and re-consider their basic mission and operations. The pandemic might challenge the field, but it also can provide opportunities for re-imagining collective ideals of library service, and the same cooperatives can help libraries re-envision and transition into a new normal. Join representatives from three regional library membership cooperatives and OCLC, to hear a vibrant discussion about the future of library collaboration in the age of COVID, hosted by the Association for Information Science & Technology and the Midwest Regional Chapter of ASIS&T.