Library Management

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss how collaboration between institutions, especially smaller collections, can result in increased access to materials and specialist staff for researchers and students.

Design/methodology/approach – ALIM (Asian Libraries in Melbourne, consisting of the University of Melbourne and Monash University) has already undertaken a number of collaborative projects. Several of these projects are introduced and the most recent example of ALIM collaboration is discussed. In total, 22 university libraries worldwide were surveyed on their respective Asian language collections, staffing levels, budget and holdings. ALIM libraries – both singly and together – were compared with the institutions surveyed.

Findings – Preliminary findings suggest that collaboration helps smaller collections to assist their primary customer base and supports the achievement of greater outcomes than would be the case if each operated independently.

Research limitations/implications – Thus far, only a small sample has been analysed. Deeper follow-up analysis is planned for late 2010.

Practical implications – The study demonstrates that staff at smaller, specialized libraries benefit from the opportunity to work collaboratively, share their expertise both locally and internationally, and expand their professional networks.

Originality/value – This paper provides possible solutions to managers of specialized libraries who are facing budget cuts and staff shortages. By collaborating with their counterparts in local institutions, individual librarians expand their networks and the breadth of assistance that can be offered to researchers.