University Libraries will have new opportunities for collaboration with libraries at peer institutions through its recent invitation to join the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA). The GWLA membership approved this action through a vote conducted at the spring membership meeting in April.
GWLA is a dynamic, effective, project‐oriented consortium of research libraries headquartered in Missouri with the majority of its member institutions located in the central and western United States. GWLA is recognized nationally as a leader in the transformation of scholarly communications and a facilitator in the application of new information technologies.
To be considered for GWLA membership, an applicant library must be classified as a Research University (High or Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, have distinctive collections, services, and expertise that add depth to the Alliance, and meet quantitative measures related to the library’s materials budget and ratio of students to library faculty and staff.
GWLA Chair and Dean of University Libraries at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Maggie Farrell noted, “As a new member, the University of South Carolina will enhance the collective through their extensive special and unique collections. This will strengthen primary research for our member institutions.”
“We at the University of South Carolina Libraries are grateful to our GWLA colleagues for their vote of confidence in us,” said David Banush, Dean of Libraries at USC. “The success of research libraries rests on a foundation of collaboration. We are eager to begin working with GWLA leadership and colleagues to explore new ways of serving our communities in novel, efficient, and effective ways that help advance the research ecosystem.”
University Libraries has five physical facilities and serves the graduate and undergraduate programs of all schools and colleges save for the Schools of Law and Medicine. Holdings include approximately 4 million physical volumes, 1.5 million ebooks, and distinctive collections that span from natural history to American literature, from state and regional history to one of the nation’s largest film archives. University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the Eastern Scholars Academic Trust, and other major research library organizations.
The Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) is a dynamic, effective, project‐oriented consortium of research libraries headquartered in Missouri with the majority of its member institutions located in the central and western United States. GWLA is recognized nationally as a leader in the transformation of scholarly communications and a facilitator in the application of new information technologies. For additional information, visit the GWLA website or follow GWLA on Facebook.
University of South Carolina Libraries fosters innovative, inclusive learning and world-class research by connecting people, comprehensive information resources, and expert services at the point of need. The Libraries support the teaching, research, and learning of USC faculty and students through a commitment to robust development of four strategic pillars: providing innovative information services for the university community, supporting the growth of the research enterprise, supporting academic success for all, and preparing our people for the future. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.