Academic and research libraries have historically created effective partnerships, such as the Library of Congress distributing catalog cards, the establishment of the Center for Research Libraries, and the birth and growth of OCLC.
THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS
Librarians can help each other during financial hardships by sharing resources, networking, and learning new skills. Libraries provide a wide range of support to job seekers and entrepreneurs, with services like resume creation, computer and Wi-Fi access, meeting spaces, interview guidance, and educational opportunities. They are continuously developing relationships with community workforce partners. Libraries acknowledge their position in the community as a strength, and job seekers come in for a wide range of resources.
OCLC notes that resource sharing allows libraries to fill collection gaps and provide for users’ needs through partnerships. Resource sharing negates distance barriers for patrons and helps librarians build a more robust or interesting collection by adding unique content.
Many, if not most, libraries have card catalogs and have been fortunate enough to web-enable them so that other members of the public can search through resources from the comfort of their home or wherever they may be.
Libraries share much more than resources, however. They also share ideas, knowledge, and best practices for better serving their patrons. While digital transformation makes library resources more convenient for many, some of these changes come with a hefty price tag. The demand to provide electronic resources often results in a need to find creative ways to get the most out of a library’s physical collections.
Libraries band together in partnership to share each other’s collections. Libraries tend to borrow from each other more to buy less. Sometimes, the transition to digital material can be complicated for libraries as e-resources are often more expensive than their physical counterparts, and they come with licenses that eventually expire. Many branches allow Wi-Fi access from their parking lots and through bookmobiles that travel through neighborhoods.
“Whether it be through a formal consortia or an informal arrangement, a group of libraries can work together to find ways to operate collectively and gain new efficiencies,” according to Library Technology Guides. Such cooperative efforts save librarians time and money—and they help add more value to library services.
WHAT IT’S LIKE IN MY STATE
In Oregon, some library systems have significantly reduced the number of public computers located inside their buildings. For example, the Tigard Public Library had 91 computers available for use in 2015, and that number dropped to 59 by 2022. One reason for lower public computer use in libraries may be that many branches offer wireless printing so patrons can send files from their phones or other computers to the printer rather than from a public computer.
In 2022, for the first time, Oregon public libraries had more ebooks in their local collections than physical books. They also had more digital audio and video resources available for loan than physical resources.
The future of resource sharing looks bright in Oregon. By pooling together resources, knowledge, and skills, libraries can help communities overcome challenges, drive innovation, and create positive change during financially difficult times.
CONCLUSION
Resource sharing is about leveraging the strength of a community to address common challenges and achieve goals. When communities engage in resource sharing, they create a supportive environment where all have the opportunity to thrive. Libraries are great examples of resource-sharing institutions where individuals can learn new skills, explore various fields of study, and improve their potential.
