VALE A TenYear Start Into The Future VALE

VALE: A Ten-Year Start Into The Future VALE Users’ Conference January 9, 2009 Marianne Gaunt VP for Information Services & University Librarian

VALE: The First Year • • 1998: VALE officially established 42 presidents endorse consortium Budget includes $500 K from Higher Ed Tech Infrastructure Bond and $100 K from the NJ State Library • Four OCLC Site. Search databases offered and workstations and server purchased • Six committees formed • 220, 000 FTE served

VALE Through 2008 • NJLA Library Champion Award to VALE Exec. Cte. • NJKI brings 10 databases • Added part-time coordinator and tech support • Held annual Users Conference with no fees • Receive high marks in Assessment Survey • Upgraded and expanded website

VALE Through 2008…Cont’d • Two partnerships receive grants: • NJVID ($971, 512 – IMLS); OSILS Planning ($24, 417 – IMLS) • Implemented collaborative video purchasing • Established NJ NACO • Undergraduates now in reciprocal borrowing • Introduced academic queue for Q&A NJ

VALE Through 2008… Cont’d • Developed database for shared information literacy materials • Created VALE Members Council • Expanded committees from 6 to 12 • Added regional library directors to Exec. Cte. • Increased databases purchased from 4 to 59 • Grow budget from $600 K to $3 M • Increase patrons served by 50, 000 FTE

Unprecedented Challenges • • • Economic pressures Competition for resources Rapidly changing information landscape Web 2. 0 and virtual communities Cost of maintaining IT infrastructure Physical facilities/space needs Assessment and accountability Managing change/professional development Library impact/VALE not fully understood

Implications/Expectations • Do more with less • Generate revenue/reduce costs • Demonstrate impact on institutional goals: research, learning, service • Demonstrate value to the state • Influence national information environment positively

Potential VALE Responses • Reframe the concept of the local library • Rethink VALE sector roles • Examine relationships with other organizations/entities for strategic focus/leveraging • Expand collaboration beyond academic library borders

Potential VALE Responses… cont’d • Invest in state-wide open source IT development and implementation • Elevate collaboration/resource sharing/resource creation • Reduce/eliminate local redundant operations • Seize opportunities for collaborative grants /external funding

Facilitators of Cross-Institutional Collaboration • • • Understanding of value and impact (Vision) Agreement on reciprocity and balance Shared technology infrastructure Authentication and authorization system Potential 501 C 3 status for VALE

Examples of Future VALE Collaborations • Shared open-source integrated library system • Universal user-initiated ILL • Broader Collaboration in collection development • Shared technical services operations • Last copy/digital preservation

Examples………cont’d • VALE repository for digital resources • Joint development of digital resources – tutorials, learning objects, collections, tools • Joint remote storage facility • Shared information services

Factors in VALE’s Success • • • Vision of collaboration and innovation Committed executive leadership Engaged librarians and staff Talented administrative and technical support William Paterson University’s support as fiduciary agent and Anne Ciliberti’s investment in VALE • Focus on assessing progress and needs

VALE’s Future • Compelling vision for transformation • Clear articulation of VALE’s value and impact • Strong and committed leadership • Engaged members • Institutional support