The Big Ten Shared Print Collection White Paper
The Big Ten Shared Print Collection White Paper
A Vision for Collective Action in Library Resources
The Shared Print Collection white paper provides an in-depth exploration of the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s transformative approach to managing print collections. Rooted in the principles of collective action and sustainability, the Shared Print Collection is a distributed, networked resource that unites over 20 million unique print titles from member libraries. By harmonizing policies, improving metadata, and enabling coordinated acquisition, this initiative redefines how libraries serve their communities, offering users access to an expansive, unified collection that far exceeds the capacity of any single library.
Key Highlights and Strategic Vision
The paper details the strategic shift from independent collection management to a collaborative framework that integrates local resources into a jointly managed asset. It outlines immediate priorities, including establishing governance structures, developing technology infrastructure, and launching an early adopter cohort to guide implementation. These efforts ensure that the Shared Print Collection not only meets user needs but also advances equity, representation, and accessibility across the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Building for the Future
As the Shared Print Collection evolves, it will serve as a cornerstone for future collaboration, innovation, and equity in library services. The white paper sets the stage for ongoing development, emphasizing the importance of collective governance, metadata improvement, and digital collection building. By focusing on shared stewardship, the Big Ten Academic Alliance is creating a sustainable and impactful model for research libraries nationwide.