The very model of a modern library consortium

Abstract

At what stage and under what circumstances does an informal consortium need to think about changing from an alliance of non‐ affiliated institutions to a formal legally incorporated body? This paper draws on research funded by the Western Australian Group of University Librarians (WAGUL). It provides an analysis of 11 small to medium‐sized consortia of primarily academic libraries in five countries. The aim is to canvass the range of different models that currently exist for library consortia and from that to identify the factors that determine when and how incorporation should be considered. The factors identified are the joint ownership of assets, payment for services, provision of joint services and protection under the law.