The Zombie Stack Exchanges That Just Won't Die
The idea of shared storage for print collections is an important one as many libraries reassess the use of their on-site physical space. How can libraries considering shared print archiving ensure access to materials in shared collections stored elsewhere. This is related to interlibrary loan services and off-site storage but not identical to either.
Examples of existing agreements about shared print planning with information about what points libraries should be sure to cover in making new agreements would be especially welcome.
trevormunoz
WEST is one example of this; lots of details available online: http://www.cdlib.org/services/collections/sharedprint/westinitiative.html
Formal shared print agreements typically spell out two things: 1) who will have access, and 2) what kind of use or delivery will be supported. For example, access and delivery policies may specify that the physical volumes may only be provided to participants in the the formal agreement and may only be used "in-library" to minimize risk of loss or damage.
The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) is developing a database of information about shared print programs known as the Print Archives Preservation Registry (PAPR). You don't need to be a member of CRL to use it. The CRL website contains a preliminary list of shared print agreements that have been developed by existing programs.
http://www.crl.edu/archiving-preservation/print-archives/papr/database
The currently-available PAPR database is a prototype. Soon it will be replaced by a more sophisticated system developed for CRL by the California Digital Library.