Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) is a prominent consortium of research libraries in the southeastern United States, dedicated to fostering collaboration and excellence among its member institutions. Established in 1956, ASERL has grown to encompass 39 member libraries across 12 states, making it one of the largest regional research library consortia in the nation.

Mission and Vision

ASERL's mission is to support and enhance the research, teaching, and learning missions of its member institutions by promoting resource sharing, professional development, and collaborative initiatives. The consortium envisions a vibrant network of libraries that drive knowledge, progress, and positive change in the region and beyond.

Primary Area of Focus

ASERL focuses on inter-institutional resource sharing, professional development, and collaborative collection management. By working together, member libraries provide and maintain top-quality resources and services for their respective communities.

Industry Significance

As a leader in research library cooperation, ASERL plays a crucial role in advancing the educational and research success of students and faculty at member institutions. Its initiatives have set benchmarks for collaborative efforts in the library sector, influencing practices and policies both regionally and nationally.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Resource Sharing: Facilitate seamless access to a vast array of materials across member libraries.

Professional Development: Offer programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of library staff.

Collaborative Collection Management: Develop shared collections to optimize resources and reduce redundancies.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Shared Print Archiving: Establish and maintain shared print journal repositories to ensure the durability of the scholarly record.

Scholarly Communications: Address evolving challenges in scholarly publishing, including open access and copyright issues.

Special Collections: Enhance access to rare and unique materials through collaborative efforts.

Key Technologies Utilized

Integrated Library Systems (ILS): Standardize cataloging and circulation processes across member libraries.

Digital Repositories: Preserve and provide access to digital collections.

Collaborative Platforms: Utilize shared platforms for resource sharing and communication among member libraries.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

ASERL primarily serves academic institutions, researchers, and students within the southeastern United States, aiming to enhance access to information and support scholarly activities in the region.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a non-profit consortium, ASERL's funding primarily comes from membership dues, grants, and collaborative projects. Specific financial details are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Detailed information about recent funding rounds is not publicly available.

Notable Investors

ASERL does not have external investors; its funding is derived from its member institutions and collaborative partnerships.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Funds are allocated towards enhancing resource sharing capabilities, developing professional development programs, and supporting collaborative collection management initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

ASERL's initiatives include the development of shared print journal repositories and collaborative digital collections.

Stages of Development

Shared Print Archiving: Ongoing development of the Scholars Trust, a shared print journal repository.

Digital Collections: Continuous expansion of collaborative digital repositories.

Target Conditions

These initiatives aim to address challenges in resource duplication, preservation, and access to scholarly materials.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for these initiatives are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

ASERL utilizes proprietary platforms for resource sharing and collaborative collection management, though specific technologies are not publicly detailed.

Significant Scientific Methods

Collaborative Collection Management: Implementing shared print archiving and digital repositories.

Scholarly Communications Initiatives: Addressing open access and copyright through collaborative efforts.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While ASERL leverages advanced technologies, specific AI-driven capabilities are not publicly detailed.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

John Burger: Executive Director of ASERL, responsible for overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives.

Elaina Norlin: Professional Development Program Coordinator, focusing on organizing training and development programs for member libraries.

Rebecca Crist: Shared Collection Resources Program Coordinator, managing collaborative collection management projects.

Board of Directors

Leslie Sharp: President, Dean of Libraries at Georgia Tech.

Doug Way: President-Elect, Dean of Libraries at the University of Kentucky.

Jeff Steely: Past-President, Dean of Libraries at Georgia State University.

Lis Pankl: Secretary-Treasurer, Dean of Libraries at Mississippi State University.

Lindsay Cronk: Member At-Large, Dean of Libraries at Tulane University.

Elisabeth Long: Member At-Large, Sheridan Dean of Libraries, Archives, and Museums at Johns Hopkins University.

Greg Raschke: Member At-Large, Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries at North Carolina State University.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The library consortium market is characterized by collaboration among institutions to enhance resource sharing, professional development, and collection management. Key players include the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), and the Boston Library Consortium (BLC).

Competitor Analysis

Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA): A consortium of 14 research universities in the Big Ten Conference, focusing on resource sharing and collaborative initiatives.

Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC): Supports research and instructional capabilities of eight universities in the Washington metropolitan area.

Boston Library Consortium (BLC): A consortium of 26 institutions in the Boston area, including liberal arts colleges and research universities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ASERL has engaged in several strategic collaborations, including:

Scholars Trust: A partnership with WRLC to create a shared print journal repository.

Library Accessibility Alliance: A partnership with BTAA to advance accessibility for library electronic resources.

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ): A partnership to support open access initiatives.

Operational Insights

ASERL's collaborative approach allows member libraries to leverage shared resources, reducing costs and enhancing access to materials. Its focus on professional development ensures that staff are equipped to meet evolving challenges in the library sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ASERL is well-positioned to expand its collaborative initiatives, particularly in the areas of digital repositories and open access. By strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new collaborations, ASERL can further enhance the value it provides to its member institutions and the broader academic community.