SCURL's Collaboration in Scotland on Content: The Collaborative Academic Store for Scotland

Abstract

The Collaborative Academic Store for Scotland (CASS) was a pilot project from 2004 to 2009 and was supported by the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL). This paper investigates the environment, the demand for the model of resource sharing, and the conclusions which emerged after a funded bid for a six-month study. The drivers were space constraints attributed to continuing growth of collections of print content, library refurbishments, and a new library build. The partners wished to investigate if they could operate in this environment with the practical challenges involved, so it was considered a test bed for future collaboration on storage and looking ahead to collaborative retention and disposal policies. Further contributing factors were the Scottish Government's agenda of shared services and widening access to collections to support a knowledgeable, smarter Scotland. The National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh provided accommodation in which to store the print content. The challenges and the opportunities which emerged from CASS are examined and although the project was finalized in 2009 there is evidence arising of the desire to re-open the doors to collaborative accommodation.