CALIS, CASHL and library consortium trend in China
| Published date | 26 October 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121011093450 |
| Pages | 690-701 |
| Date | 26 October 2010 |
| Author | Diqiu Xu |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
CALIS, CASHL and library
consortium trend in China
Diqiu Xu
Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to provide suggestions and predictions on library consortium
development trends in China under new circumstances, as summarised from observations made of
CALIS and CASHL.
Design/methodology/approach – From an overview and comparative analyses of the similar and
different characteristics of CALIS and CASHL – two of the most influential library consortia in China
– mainly on sources of funds, organisational management, cooperative collection development,
collection character, resource sharing and services, this paper summarises the main advantages and
disadvantages of the consortia to gain valuable insights.
Findings – Seven advantages and three disadvantages in CALIS and CASHL are summarised, and
from the insights gained, the following suggestions and predictions on library consortium trends in
China arise: the cost-reducing and highly effective models of CALIS and CASHL will be promoted;
uniformity and standardisation of construction will earn more respect and be realised; library
consortia will develop in the digital library direction; the scope of consortia will be broadened; and
different library consortia will move toward integration.
Practical implications – The advantages and disadvantages of the CALIS and CASHL consortia
summarised by this paper, and the suggestions of this paper with regard to trends for library
consortia in China provide valuable inspiration and reference for decision-makers. Library consortium
practices in China will develop and change in the directions suggested by this paper.
Originality/value – The comparative analysis of of the characteristics of the CALIS and CASHL
consortia characteristics is original. The summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of the
two consortia, together with suggestions and predictions regarding the trends for library consortia in
China, provide useful references for researchers, the public and decision-makers in China as well as
other countries regarding library consortium experiences and improving and developing consortia.
Keywords Library management,China, Purchasing groups
Paper type General review
1. Introduction
From the historical perspective the library consortium is not new. It has a history of
over 100 years in the USA, and about three decades in China. The term “library
consortium” refers to co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration between and
amongst libraries for the purpose of sharing information resources (Nfila and
Darko-Ampem, 2002, p. 203), or to an association of libraries established by formal
agreement, usually for the purpose of improving services and mutual benefits through
resource sharing among its members (Dong and Zou, 2009, p. 1; Bostick, 2001, p. 6).
The main drivers for co-operation are the information explosion, the increasing cost of
publications, stringent budget allocations, and increasing demand from users for
improved services. Amidst recent global financial crisis, facing substantial budget
cuts, it is much harder and more expensive for libraries to solve all these problems
alone. As a major way of sharing and improving resources and reducing cost, library
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
31,8/9
690
Received 5 February 2010
Revised 4 April 2010
Accepted 15 April 2010
Library Management
Vol. 31 No. 8/9, 2010
pp. 690-701
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435121011093450
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