SCELC Collaborative Collections Program

In June 2016, the SCELC Board began to consider the use of surplus reserve funds to support a shared electronic collection, in accordance with the SCELC strategic plan. In September 2017, the SCELC Board formed a Shared Collection Task Force to examine the feasibility of developing a 3-year group-funded shared collection project.  

The Shared Collection Task Force researched potential library interest and input on pricing models. SCELC members were surveyed twice (Jan/Feb 2017 and Feb 2018) for interest, concerns and questions regarding earlier versions of the initiative. The Shared Collection Task Force produced a final report outlining their findings and articulated recommendations.

Based on the task force recommendations and strong interest in participation across the SCELC membership, the Board approved three years of matching funding for a SCELC Collaborative Collection Program (CCP) and stipulated creation of a broadly representative steering committee in the summer of 2018.

The Committee's Charge as described by the Board Task Force in June 2018: 

Program Preparation (July 2018 - June 2019)

1. Develop Goals and Guidelines to guide selection decision(s).
2. Survey the complete membership: Develop a project description that is communicated to all eligible member libraries. Include a clear and transparent procedure for selection decisions and examples of the scenarios.
3. Obtain three-year commitments (via a MOU) from the libraries who opt-in.
4. Create a web page listing the committee members, all opting-in member libraries, selection criteria, and the funds committed. Use that web page to communicate process and progress.
5. Expand committee membership as appropriate to reflect all opting in member libraries.

Program Implementation (July 2019- June 2022)

1. Develop an assessment plan that is implemented in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of the project..
2. Produce an annual Assessment Report for the participants and the SCELC Board