Deputy Librarian, Central Library, Kumaun University, Nainital
Online published on 28 September, 2012.
In the age of information communication technology, the monopoly of libraries on information provision is over. Now, the focus of libraries shifted from print to electronic. Libraries of developed countries formed consortia to achieve some common interests such as sharing the same system, sharing databases, standardisation of policy in accessing commercial databases, etc. But, libraries in India are lagging behind in realising the possibilities of library consortium. The main reason to form a library consortium is to improve information resources, to provide better services to the users and to gain financial benefits.
Libraries are now facing severe economic constraints. They are encountering budget cut coupled with the escalating costs of resources and diverse needs of users. They are struggling to keep up their relevance in this fast changing information environment. Academic libraries of Uttarakhand are no exception to this phenomenon. Joining or forming a consortium can solve many of the problems faced by the academic libraries in Uttarakhand.
The present paper makes a proposal for a consortium of academic libraries in Uttarakhand. The paper discusses the need for forming a library consortium, requirements of a library consortium, benefits of a library consortium and structure of consortium.
