More Bang for the Buck: Increasing the Effectiveness of Library Expenditures Through Cooperation

Abstract

The long-term strategy of the academic library community needs to focus on improved cost effectiveness rather than becoming preoccupied with the short-term effects of budget reductions. Fortunately, the rise of consortia and the maturing of the automation environment provide a conducive environment for substantial gains in the cost-benefit ratio over a wide range of library services. Examples of such gains in four key library service areas are described.