Special Library Consortia

Abstract

Due to increase in costs, proliferation of electronic resources and dwindling library budgets, cooperative e-acquisition has become a compelling proposition in a library consortium environment. The user community also has been greatly influenced by newer technologies facilitating seamless access to information. Users demand to have a wide array of electronic information services. As such, the current library scenario has reached a critical mass both in terms of e-products as well as increased number of virtual users. Due to journal crisis, and cuts in library budgets, the special library professionals are forced to come together in forming a consortium for subscription of e-journals. This chapter provides an outlook of special library consortia in India and the rest of the world.