The Washington Research Library Consortium: A real organization for a virtual library

Library consortia can be organized according to a variety of models ranging from loosely affiliated "buying clubs" to tightly integrated virtual or actual organizations. One of the most closely integra ted consortia in the United States is the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), whose member universities share book collections, an online library system containing multiple electronic resources including a union catalog, an offsite book storage facility, and a separately staffed service organization. This thorough integration of programs creates a virtual library and an actual organization shared by all members. WRLC's structure, governance, funding, and program planning are designed to promote organizational stability flexibility, and equity for the member institutions.