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Survey of selected US academic library consortia: a descriptive study

Saleh A. Al-Baridi (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia)

The Electronic Library

ISSN: 0264-0473

Article publication date: 1 February 2016

1113

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and present a working model for consortia of academic libraries in Saudi Arabia. It is based on the American model of consortia operating at all levels, including local, state and region. The American consortia are highly developed, functional and have a large membership of small-, medium- and large-size libraries and are good models to be followed by other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

An email survey questionnaire (with seven closed-ended and four open-ended questions) was distributed to ten selected US academic library consortia to obtain relevant information on various operational facets and policies they have adopted.

Findings

The survey results will provide useful information to help develop a workable consortia model for Saudi Arabia. If implemented successfully, the Saudi model is expected to motivate other library groups at provincial and national levels in Saudi Arabia and regional level in the Arabian Gulf Region.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is aimed at gathering relevant information about the experiences of ten selected US academic libraries as members of various consortia.

Originality/value

While the project will start with academic libraries only, it may open membership for other libraries not only in Saudi Arabia but also for libraries of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The other scenario could be that instead of joining Saudi consortia, the libraries may decide to develop their own consortia.

Keywords

Citation

Al-Baridi, S.A. (2016), "Survey of selected US academic library consortia: a descriptive study", The Electronic Library, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 24-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-09-2014-0153

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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