From coexistence to convergence: studying partnerships and collaboration among libraries, archives and museums

Introduction. The convergence of libraries, archives and museums is an evolving phenomenon that has garnered increased attention in the literature and professional practice over the past decade. To date, little research exists documenting the experiences of these institutions as they engage in different forms of collaboration and convergence. Method. Using a series of on-site, semi-structured interviews of professionals conducted in 2010 and 2011, the study examined initiatives involving different forms of collaboration and convergence, and different stages of the process in two institutions in Canada and three in New Zealand. Analysis. The interviews were audio recorded and a descriptive summary of each interview was prepared. We examined the summaries and identified themes within and across the institutions. Results. Findings suggest the motivations that led to the various projects reflected the discourse, beliefs, and values of the professions at the time the projects took place, and occasionally, administrative expediency. Aspects that emerged from the interviews correlate broadly to six themes: to serve users better; to support scholarly activity; to take advantage of technological developments; to take into account the need for budgetary and administrative efficiencies; to adapt to an evolving understanding of digital surrogates as objects; and to obtain a holistic view of collections. Benefits have accrued in terms of new perspectives on collections and on ways of seeing the institution, its users and services, in enhanced staff learning, in finding different methods for accomplishing work activities, and in the pragmatic efficiencies of budget reallocation and cost-savings. Conclusion: We conclude with an overview that summarises the salient findings.