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Extreme Makeover: MLNC Edition The Transformative Journey of a Library Consortium

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Sharon L. Bostick, PhD Dean of Libraries University of Missouri Kansas City President, MLNC Board of Directors Tracy Rochow Byerly, MLS Executive Director MLNC

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Library Consortia in the USA O US libraries have a deep tradition of resource sharing O Consortia have been a common way to do this O The creation of consortia often but not always budget driven

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Early American Library Consortia O American Library Association had a cooperation committee in the 1880s O Library of Congress provided cataloging for participating libraries in the early 1900s O Triangle Research Libraries Network formed in 1933

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Evolution of American Library Consortia O Consortia continued to develop, most after 1960 and are include a variety of types. For example O Those that share technology, such as common library platforms O Those that focus on a variety of resource sharing initiatives O Limited purpose ones such as dealing with subject areas O OCLC Networks

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OCLC Networks O Concept began in late 70s to provide a mechanism for purchasing, managing and training with OCLC products O Some existing consortia became OCLC networks; some were created for the purpose O Some single state, some regional O Consistent revenue stream from member libraries for providing the services

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Changes in the Networks O Many networks focused almost exclusively on OCLC products O In 2008 OCLC changed their business model and gradually began withdrawing from the networks, providing the services themselves O Created a crisis for the networks

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Result of changes O Many closed, such as BCR and NyLink O Some merged, such as Lyrasis, formed from three other large networks O The others, like many American consortia, are rethinking their purpose O All are continuing to change

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MLNC O Began as an OCLC network in 1981 O Withdrew from an existing regional network to have a stronger voice for the state of Missouri O Official name Missouri Library Network Corporation O Currently celebrating 30 years of service to member libraries

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Formation of MLNC Leaders in the state were concerned about representation and wanted to create a mechanism to utilize monies for in-state development and to bring together all libraries in the state. 1981 - 2011 30 Years of Service to member libraries

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MLNC Board O Bylaws do not dictate Board make-up by geography or type of library O Thus the Board is composed of key leaders in the state deeply invested in moving libraries forward O Willing to askand answerthe hard questions O Strong, creative Executive Director

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The Dilemma O In 2008 knew that the OCLC model would change, not sure how O Held a Board strategic planning retreat with if/then scenarios O Formed a Strategic Options Committee which O Developed a Request for Proposals for merger partners

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Merger responses O Strategic Options Committee reviewed responses. The key assessment points: O Is there trust with potential partners O Is there a successful history with them O What is the other organizations potential contribution? O Do they bring the skills, strengths contacts and other resources needed to achieve our goals?

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Merger partner O Narrowed to one potential partner O Began Due Diligence O Extensive correspondence O Board voted to cease conversations; felt Missouri libraries would not be any better off merging with this organization O Voted to continue with the current structure but in a leaner form while continuing to pursue options O Developed a closure planjust in case

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Transforming MLNC O Possibly more internal than external O Reduced office space but kept space for members! O Increased internal efficiencies O Hired part-time telecommuting staff O Moving into providing management services to other organizations O Expanded membership to neighboring states

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What is next? O Vote to change By-Laws to broaden our options and allow for electronic participation O Another Board Retreat is scheduled to develop a new strategic plan

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Thank you! O Sharon Bostick O bosticks@umkc.edu bosticks@umkc.edu O Tracy Rochow Byerly O Tracy@mlnc.org Tracy@mlnc.org