Collaboration and Change: Lessons Learned from a Merged Library Experience

Abstract

King Library opened in 2003, as a unique collaboration between San Jose State University and the San Jose Public Library system. It remains the largest joint use library in the country. King Library is the university library for SJSU and SJPL's main branch. Access Service staff is made up of both SJSU and SJPL employees who have been merged into one department which includes: Circulation, Course Reserves, Welcome Desk, Sorting Room, Call Center, Periodicals, Document Delivery Services and Stacks Maintenance., , Combining an academic and public library into one building has given us a unique opportunity for collaboration. Having two library cultures, two administrations with different priorities and patrons with varying needs has allowed us to question our own assumptions. Resolving issues and finding the best solutions to seamlessly meet the needs of both the public and the academic community has been both a challenge and learning experience., , The key to functioning effectively in a joint library is to be flexible, embrace change and establish excellent working relationships with your colleagues. Merging libraries has revealed different ways of doing things and exploring different approaches has been one of the benefits of a combined library. , , Now both institutions are threatened by drastic budget reductions. How will we continue to effectively collaborate to meet the needs of our patrons without negatively affecting the other institution? Best practices, lessons learned, challenges faced and solutions found will be discussed along with an analysis of changes in usage patterns, services and plans for the future.