Libraries

The Libraries of the Big Ten Academic Alliance are aligned in the vision of uniting our separate collections into one collection, shared and fully networked: the BIG Collection. By this phrase we mean a holistic and comprehensive understanding of what a library "collection" is: not simply the things we hold, but our services; our people; our expertise; our technology; and our infrastructure.

In advancing this future of interdependence and excellence, we are guided by our North Star in everything that we do:

In order to advance a just, trustworthy, scalable & sustainable open knowledge ecosystem, make open, more equitable scholarship our lead purpose.

On these pages, you'll find more about the services, programs, and community that are advancing this vision in a principles-centered, mission-driven, values-aligned way.

Library Accessibility Group webinar: Revised ADA Title II in the Library

The slides and recording from the webinar on August 27, 2024 are now available.

Academy Owned Scholarly Publishing Landscape Report

Launched in the fall of 2022, the Big Ten Academic Alliance [BTAA] landscape assessment of academy owned scholarly publishing activities explores the shared challenges and opportunities facing publishing programs and operations within the Big Ten institutions.

Big Ten Open Books

Big Ten Open Books connects readers everywhere to fully accessible, trusted books from leading university presses. Established as a new model for open-access publishing focused on equity and inclusion, we invite you to explore our Gender and Sexuality studies collection.

BIG Collection: Resource Access Policy Harmonization Report

The Resource Access Policy Harmonization pilot team is pleased to share their final report. Aspirational in nature, the report includes the new BTAA Resource Sharing Agreement plus Scanning Standards; reaffirms the Principles and Protocols for Sharing Special Collections within the Big Ten; and articulates important next steps for future pilot projects and working group investigations.

Library News

Robert Van Rennes Named New Assistant Director of CIC's Center for Library Initiatives

Apr 20, 2016, 08:39 AM

The CIC is delighted to announce that Robert Van Rennes has been appointed as Assistant Director, Center for Library Initiatives at the CIC, effective July 1, 2016.

The CIC is delighted to announce that Robert Van Rennes has been appointed as Assistant Director, Center for Library Initiatives at the CIC, effective July 1, 2016. Rob’s role will include oversight of licensing operations and support for CLI projects such as Google Digitization, resource sharing, and the annual conference.

Rob is currently Head, Acquisitions Department at the University of Iowa Libraries where he has held multiple professional positions, including Electronic Resources Coordinator, since 1999. Rob holds a B.A. in History, German and European Studies from the University of Northern Iowa, and a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa. Throughout his professional career, he has been an active member of ALCTS, NASIG and several publisher advisory and editorial boards. Rob brings extensive experience managing electronic resources policies, procedures and workflows, as well as successful relationships with the vendor and publisher community. In addition, Rob’s experience in the CIC community will enhance the work of the CLI staff as they strive to advance collaborative programs among member libraries.