GEN: Cooperative library automation projects

[Lisbeth Lord <lislord@CSN.NET>]

My school district has the opportunity to upgrade its current library
automation systems to Dynix.  We can either move to Scholar and remain an
independent system or merge with the city public library for a
cooperative automation project.  Philosophically we would like to share
the system with the city in order that all our residents can access our
resources.

We would like to know from those of you that have established
cooperatives with the public library or libraries how you resolved the
big issues of ongoing governance/management and finances.  The public
library has one site and will possibly open a branch in the near future;
we have 29 sites currently.  Our first attempt to "merge" automation 8-10
years ago fell apart because we did not have these issues clearly
outlined and we would like to do a better job this time around.

If there seems to be general interest, I will post a hit. Thanks for your
help.


Lisbeth Lord
Library Media Coordinator
St. Vrain Valley Schools
District Media Center
401 South Pratt Parkway
Longmont, CO  80501