As part of a comprehensive plan for the financial sustainability of Ontario’s post-secondary sector, a recent Blue-Ribbon Panel report outlined recommendations to achieve a sustainable future for the province’s universities and colleges.
In addition to ending the tuition freeze and increasing sector operating funds, the report recommends enhanced cost efficiency and effectiveness, pointing to an opportunity for higher levels of collaboration between post-secondary schools. Among those areas of opportunity are collaborative purchasing and shared library resources – two models in place through the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).
“Through OCUL, a university library amplifies its access to scholarly resources and services, underscoring the invaluable strength that lies in the collaborative model. It is a synergy that enriches the academic journey for students, faculty and researchers alike.” Amber Lannon, University Librarian, Carleton University
“Being a member of OCUL gives smaller universities in northern locations equitable access to quality resources as well as the opportunity to participate and have a voice in the post-secondary sector in Ontario.” Tracy Spurway, University Librarian, Algoma University
From smaller northern universities to large metropolitan institutions, it is together that the members of OCUL continue to advance research, teaching, and learning by collaborating in the development and delivery of transformative library services, scholarly e-resources and digital research infrastructure. The cost savings and efficiencies realized through the shared procurement and development of these resources are indicators of universities’ fiscal responsibility and evidence of the benefits of working as a collective.
University libraries play an invaluable role in higher education. OCUL members join the Council of Ontario Universities in advocating for critical government support and call for ongoing collaboration in the post-secondary sector.
Catherine Steeves, OCUL Chair and Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian, Western University
Amy Greenberg, OCUL Executive Director