ReShare Welcomes New Consortial Partners: The Alberta Library and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services

Project ReShare is pleased to announce The Alberta Library (TAL), a multi-type library consortium based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS), a multi-type consortium serving over 650 member libraries in Indiana and Michigan, as the first two consortial participants in its new Founding Consortial Partner Program. Both consortia have made substantial contributions and have joined the project’s Steering Committee. 

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services has pledged up to $150,000 in funding to Project ReShare over the next three years. The Alberta Library has also pledged $10,000 in funding to the project. In addition to substantial monetary contributions which will speed along development of the open source code being developed, each consortium also commits time and expertise from its staff and member institutions that promises to uniquely benefit Project ReShare. Both MCLS and TAL are the first members to bring public library perspectives to the project’s leadership groups. With these new partnerships in place, Project ReShare will continue its mission to build a user-centered resource sharing platform for libraries of all types, in all places. 

“MCLS and TAL are part of a growing number of libraries and consortia who are joining ReShare. The Steering Committee recognized both of these consortia as strategic partners and I’m thrilled to welcome them to the community. Each consortium represents the diverse needs of public and academic libraries, which is perhaps one of the most exciting elements of these partnerships. The addition of TAL and MCLS rounds out our ability to represent library resource sharing needs more broadly,” said Jill Morris, ReShare Steering Committee Chair. Previously ReShare Steering Committee members represented only college and university library interests. 

MCLS Executive Director Scott Garrison and his staff are excited about the potential opportunities Project ReShare offers. “We hope that Project ReShare becomes a viable solution for hundreds of libraries in the two states we serve, as well as for the broader library community. MCLS believes in innovating for libraries and their users, and our Board of Directors, staff and I feel that Project ReShare is a fresh, innovative approach to resource sharing for users everywhere,” Garrison said. 

Tim Janewski, CEO of TAL is eager to participate with ReShare: “We are excited to join Project ReShare as we see great potential for a community-developed resource sharing platform owned and managed by libraries. We look forward to working with ReShare partners on this scalable and cost-effective project. ReShare will be a great fit for The Alberta Library.” 

ReShare announced its Founding Partner Program in June 2019 and is currently accepting applications. For more information on how to get involved and support the project, please visit: https://projectreshare.org. 

About ReShare

The ReShare Community is a group of libraries, consortia, information organizations and developers, with both commercial and non-commercial interests, who came together in August 2018 to create Project ReShare – a new and open approach to library resource sharing. ReShare has a bold vision for building a user-centered, app-based, community-owned resource sharing platform for libraries to set the standard in how we connect library patrons to the resources and information they require. Contact info@projectreshare.org for more information. 

About MCLS

MCLS is a non-profit, member-owned multitype library consortium serving libraries in Indiana and Michigan. MCLS dedicated to providing our member libraries with the tools and training they need to better serve their communities. To this end, MCLS provides a range of services including group purchasing, strategic planning consulting, meeting facilitation, library-specific and community engagement-related training, and, in Michigan, statewide materials delivery. Since 2004, MCLS has also provided implementation, training, and support services for MeLCat, Michigan’s statewide resource sharing system. 

About The Alberta Library

The Alberta Library (TAL) is a multi-type resource-sharing library consortium serving more than 300 locations in Alberta, Canada. Created in 1997, TAL was a response to challenges that included the information explosion, the development of new technologies, the emergence of the Internet and a changing government philosophy. Today, TAL is internationally recognized for cooperation and collaboration and working with its members to take advantage of changing technologies, share resources, find creative solutions and seize new opportunities. 

Media Contact:

Jill Morris Chair

ReShare Steering Committee Executive Director, PALCI

info@projectreshare.org