The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) libraries are building the Shared Print Collection (SPC) as a coordinated, distributed research collection of print materials stewarded collectively across member institutions.

This work advances the goal of 'one collection—shared and fully networked.' By aligning local stewardship with collective strategy, BTAA libraries expand access, preserve unique content, and make effective use of shared resources.

The SPC is not a separate collection—it is a shared, managed collection built from materials held locally and described, retained, and made accessible through common agreements and coordinated infrastructure.

Why the Shared Print Collection Matters

BTAA libraries collectively hold tens of millions of print titles, many of which are unique across the consortium. By working together, we can:

• Preserve depth and distinctiveness while reducing unnecessary duplication
• Expand access across institutions—not just within them
• Increase visibility of underutilized or hidden collections
• Improve discovery, delivery, and user experience
• Strengthen collective stewardship of the scholarly record

This is a strategic response to growing demands on collections alongside constrained resources. Collaboration is essential to sustaining and enhancing research collections for the future.

Now Underway: Selection and Designation

The BTAA Shared Print Collection is now moving from planning into active implementation. Member libraries are beginning the work of selecting and designating materials—particularly monographs—for inclusion in the shared collection.

This phase focuses on:

• Local selection decisions, guided by shared agreements and consortium-scale analytics
• Designation of materials in local systems using established procedures (e.g., 583 action notes)
• Initiating metadata flows from local systems to shared infrastructure to support visibility and analysis
• Building momentum through participation and iterative development, rather than waiting for perfect conditions

Selection and designation are ongoing activities. Over time, they will strengthen shared practices, improve metadata quality, and enhance the collective value of the SPC.

Members can learn more from articles in the members-only Knowledge Base. Visit : https://support.btaa.org/ and sign up in the "Account" section before accessing: The Shared Print Collection - Getting Started with Contributing Monographs

How the Collection Works

The SPC is built on a model of local ownership and collective responsibility:

• Libraries retain ownership of designated materials
• Each institution is responsible for stewardship, preservation, and access
• Shared agreements define expectations for retention, lending, and management
• Metadata contributed by members creates network-level visibility into commitments

Work is carried out through existing local workflows, enhanced by shared tools such as the BTAA Collection Analysis Tool (BIG CAT), and coordinated through community practices and governance.

Community Participation

The Shared Print Collection depends on active participation from all member libraries. Key expectations include:

• Contributing portions of local collections to the shared collection
• Aligning local workflows and resources to support shared commitments
• Participating in shared governance and community development
• Applying expertise in areas such as metadata, access, and preservation
• Working collectively to identify gaps and strengthen the collection

This work extends core library activities—selection, description, and access—into a coordinated, consortium-wide framework

Communication and Getting Involved

Foundations: Shared Print Repositories (SPRs)

The Shared Print Collection builds on a strong foundation of centralized shared print work, including the Shared Print Repositories (SPRs) for commonly held journals at:

• Indiana University
• University of Illinois

These repositories provide secure, long-term retention and enhanced access for journal collections, supporting both widely held and unique materials.

The SPC expands this model by incorporating distributed holdings across member libraries, including monographs and additional serials—creating a more comprehensive, networked shared collection.

Learn More

• Members-only Knowledge Base. Visit : https://support.btaa.org/ and sign up in the "Account" section before accessing: “The Shared Print Collection”
• Shared Print Agreements and Procedures Working Group Final Report (2024)
• Shared Print Collections Technical Infrastructure Investigation Team Final Report (2026)