Where are library consortia going? Results of a 2009 survey

Abstract

Cooperative efforts among libraries are not new in the United States but date back at least 130 years. Historically, the creation of cooperative catalogs, inter-library loan (ILL), and cooperative acquisitions have been of paramount importance. Currently, library consortia are growing worldwide.A survey of members of the International Coalition of Library Consortia conducted in March 2009 revealed that the highest priorities are changing. While cooperative catalogs, ILL and acquisitions are still at the top of the list for many consortia, the highest ranked issues for the immediate future are renegotiating licenses and budget management, two topics that may not have been included in a list of issues had this survey been conducted prior to the economic crisis that began in the fall of 2008.