What is a library consortium?

A library consortium is fundamentally a partnership between libraries that collaborates to share resources and services. This model improves access to materials, technologies, and expertise for all member libraries, thereby enhancing the overall library services provided to patrons. By pooling resources, libraries within a consortium can offer a wider range of materials and services than they could individually, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This collaborative approach fosters a community of libraries that can mutually support each other's goals and initiatives, ultimately benefiting the users of their services.

In contrast, a competitive group of libraries does not capture the essence of collaboration inherent in a consortium. Licensing software is a technical aspect that may be involved but does not define the core purpose of a consortium. Additionally, a list of libraries categorized by size lacks the essence of resource sharing and partnership that characterizes a library consortium. The emphasis in a consortium is on cooperation and shared advantages rather than competition or mere categorization.