SPEC Kit 345: Shared Print Programs · 25
SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
The SPEC surveys on Shared Print Programs were designed by Rebecca Crist, Visiting Project Manager in
the Center for Library Initiatives at the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, and Emily Stambaugh,
Shared Print Manager at the California Digital Library.
The ongoing need to optimize use of physical space in research libraries while ensuring preservation of and access to the scholarly
record has led to a number of innovations in library collection management, including multi-institutional shared print programs.
Shared print arrangements take many forms and involve many partners. As more libraries enter into shared print programs, it may
be useful to compare and contrast models, agreements, business, and operational aspects to understand the value that each model
provides to its participants.
The purpose of this survey is to explore the extent of ARL member libraries’ participation in shared print programs, the type and
scope of programs in which they choose to participate, the rationale for participation, the value and benefits the programs provide to
ARL and other libraries, and the roles different libraries are playing in them.
Although a related survey on print retention decision making was conducted last year, this study looks more deeply at issues specific
to shared print collection strategies, business models, and operations.
To best explore these aspects, this study includes two surveys:
Survey of ARL Member Libraries. ARL libraries are asked general questions about all shared print programs in which the institution
participates, goals and benefits of participation, rationale for participation, and services provided. This survey does not ask about the
details of a single, specific shared print program but rather about a library’s participation in shared print arrangements in general.
Survey of Shared Print Program Managers/Coordinators. Information about a specific shared print program is gathered from
shared print managers/coordinators. This survey asks about specific business and operational models, strategies, goals, membership,
collections, archiving progress, access, and other services.
SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
The SPEC surveys on Shared Print Programs were designed by Rebecca Crist, Visiting Project Manager in
the Center for Library Initiatives at the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, and Emily Stambaugh,
Shared Print Manager at the California Digital Library.
The ongoing need to optimize use of physical space in research libraries while ensuring preservation of and access to the scholarly
record has led to a number of innovations in library collection management, including multi-institutional shared print programs.
Shared print arrangements take many forms and involve many partners. As more libraries enter into shared print programs, it may
be useful to compare and contrast models, agreements, business, and operational aspects to understand the value that each model
provides to its participants.
The purpose of this survey is to explore the extent of ARL member libraries’ participation in shared print programs, the type and
scope of programs in which they choose to participate, the rationale for participation, the value and benefits the programs provide to
ARL and other libraries, and the roles different libraries are playing in them.
Although a related survey on print retention decision making was conducted last year, this study looks more deeply at issues specific
to shared print collection strategies, business models, and operations.
To best explore these aspects, this study includes two surveys:
Survey of ARL Member Libraries. ARL libraries are asked general questions about all shared print programs in which the institution
participates, goals and benefits of participation, rationale for participation, and services provided. This survey does not ask about the
details of a single, specific shared print program but rather about a library’s participation in shared print arrangements in general.
Survey of Shared Print Program Managers/Coordinators. Information about a specific shared print program is gathered from
shared print managers/coordinators. This survey asks about specific business and operational models, strategies, goals, membership,
collections, archiving progress, access, and other services.
