Consolidation: A Tale of Two Libraries

Abstract

This paper describes the initiating action, planning, adaptations, and official conclusion of a one-year consolidation of a professional health-sciences library with a largely commuter-student undergraduate liberal arts library, during the consolidation of their corresponding universities. Ties existed between some university programs, such as nursing, but the cultures of the two universities differed. The structure established to handle the consolidation allowed effective communication and cooperative development of policies and processes. Reaccreditation efforts also required extensive work to reflect the new university. Crucial lessons were learned from the intensive effort.