Lessons learned: can a resource in common work?
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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to report on the challenges and lessons learnt by the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team when trying to implement a resource in common highdensity storage unit model between Texas A&M University Library and The University of TexasAustin Libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe case study draws on the experience of the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team when the university funded the creation of a jointly owned remote storage unit, which foundation would rest on a resource in common model. The creation of a new library building allowed Texas A&M University Libraries to free up stack space in order to create new learning spaces to meet the needs of the library users. However, as the processing began, initial theories of what a resource in common was, how to implement a resource in common and resources needed to implement the resource in common model began to be questioned. This study examines the lessons learnt when trying to implement a resource in common model.FindingsBased on the experiences of the Texas A&M University Libraries' processing team, increased communication and early participation in the decisionmaking stages is key when trying to implement a resource in common model. This processing team was responsible for updating the MARC records for all the items that were identified to go to the joint storage unit. They recognized that any collaborative venture of this magnitude required an excellent workflow and workload understanding by all parties, including those members of the TAMU Library initial project planning team who were active members on the initial library storage facility oversight committees. This understanding would allow everyone at TAMU involved in the massive project to have a clearer knowledge of the strains caused by the increased workload and could communicate to the full team the obstacles the library would be facing.Originality/valueThis paper introduces the idea of resource in common and will be of interest to all libraries facing both space and funding shortages who might be considering building a storage unit. These libraries might consider implementing a resource in common model as a way to solve these problems.
