Vision

The goal is a new global service framework that allows

  1. individuals to get what they find no matter where they found it
  2. the individual choices based on time, format, delivery method and cost

With the result that Knowledge seekers will become knowledge and library users, and libraries will be relevant and visible knowledge providers.

Background

It's Time Again to Think about Resource Sharing

A White Paper was published in February 2005 to begin a discussion in the library community about the future of resource sharing. Those discussions took place at professional conferences, regional meetings, in libraries, and among the vendors developing tools for libraries.

Rethinking Resource Sharing Forum I

In November 2005 a group with international representation met in Chicago, IL, to begin defining the challenges facing libraries in delivering service to users. Representatives from various types of library organizations presented information on the challenges relating to their particular environment. Small groups discussed the issues and identified potential solutions to problems. A list of user needs was developed as a starting place for addressing them. Subgroups were formed to look more into user needs, cultural and policy issues, and the interoperability of library systems.

Rethinking Resource sharing Forum II

The Rethinking Forum group met a second time February 28th - March 1st, 2006, in Denver, CO. At this event, the group continued their work by identifying the vision and potential organization of the Initiative.

The participants in the Initiative are committed to a user focus and an international scope. Keeping the user at the center of attention when considering ways in which the library community can shift practices to meet users' needs and expectations.

Key to the Initiative is a broad definition of resource sharing. Functions that may previously have been segregated in the library environment are becoming more fluid in the delivery of library service. Participants are seeing a blurring of lines between traditional interlibrary loan services and other library services offered today. It is imperative that participants in the Rethinking

Charter

This Charter is intended to remain in effect for a period of 3 years. The Charter and purpose of the Resource Sharing Initiative and the work groups will be evaluated as the Initiative evolves.

Support

Moving from rethinking resource sharing to action towards shaping actual resource sharing experiences requires a long-term strategy and support from organizations with the capacity to manage complex projects.

RUSA STARS is the hub for shaping policy in the area of Resource Sharing in the American Library Association. It is the logical home for expressing the policies that will shape a new environment. NISO has supported standards like Z39.83 - NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol that support multi-dimensional resource sharing. It is the logical home for shaping the technical agreements that support new forms of service.

PALCI, BLC and California Digital Library have been leaders in defining new patterns of resource sharing in their regions. Their expertise in developing and sustaining trusted relationships is critical to helping the group find practical and workable solutions.

Organization and Charge

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will oversee the direction and progress of the Rethinking Resource Sharing Initiative and maintain communication with the Work Groups. The Steering Committee has five base members, and will include representation from all types of libraries as well as liaisons from each work group, committee, and/or task force. (See the Organization Chart below). The five base members are the Chairs of the NISO and ALA RUSA STARS committees and representatives from PALCI, BLC, and CDL; it is the responsibility of the five base members to appoint the two at-large members.

Administrative Support

Administrative support functions for the Steering Committee will be contributed by the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium (PALCI), the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), and the California Digital Library (CDL). Chair will rotate among BLC, PALCI, and CDL on an annual basis. Responsibilities of this group include: