The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) is a 501(c)(3) owned by the supported private academic institutions. It was founded in 1992 to provide automation and resource sharing amongst the libraries. As the internet and information services landscape has changed, so have PALNI systems and services at the strategic direction of all library deans and directors who sit on the PALNI board. PALNI has expanded beyond providing a resource management system to sharing expertise in many areas including strategic planning, reference, information fluency, outreach, data management and configuration, and has identified “deep” collaboration across library functions as a key goal.
In August of 2014 and again in February of 2015, PALNI library directors committed to “deep collaboration” between PALNI libraries. PALNI libraries have been collaborating on a shared system since 1992 and have continued to expand the areas and methods of partnerships. We are being more deliberate in our approaches to working together. We have moved beyond just sharing expertise or the occasional project to sharing collections, staff, development, and strategy so that we can best provide the evolving services that our users need while containing costs. This collaboration will allow us to address more local needs by reducing duplication of effort. Managing services or functions across more libraries enables us to provide better service to our students and faculty by enabling staff to focus, explore, and innovate.
The libraries of the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) collaborate to enhance the teaching and learning missions of private higher education in Indiana by optimizing resources and services while strengthening leadership and professional development. The work that we do as a consortium benefits the students and faculty in each of the supported organizations. More information can be found on the PALNI website.
The libraries of the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) collaborate to enhance the teaching and learning missions of private higher education in Indiana by optimizing resources and services while strengthening leadership and professional development.
PALNI and its member institutions strive to:
All of these institutions have joined PALNI because of a belief in the power of collaboration as a mechanism for improving library services. The PALNI Board of Directors believes that a broad statement of the values that undergird the organization and a statement of values that guide the implementation of consortium programs are useful tools in reminding ourselves of first principles that should be honored in our work.
Equity of Service
Quality of Service
Collaboration & Sharing
Innovation
Flexibility
Efficiency
Effective Stewardship
These values establish the context for the consortium and provide a foundational statement for the organization.
In developing the programs of PALNI, the supported organizations will strive to honor these values:
*Mission approved by the PALNI Board, Fall 2011
*Vision approved by the PALNI Board electronic vote, Fall 2011
We work together to share resources and services. We have a culture of proving we can do more together, with respect, dedication, and the freedom to try. The way we work is a driving factor to what we accomplish. That is why we work within a structure that provides the highest quality, value, and support for the institutions.
We achieve these ideals by:
The PALNI organizational chart shows the roles within PALNI and the leadership structure that follows. It does not illustrate the complex relationships between the roles which vary in depth and overlap. This chart is in constant flux as PALNI adjusts to meet the needs of the supported institutions.
In response to rapid changes in the education landscape and in recognition of PALNI's broad scope, the consortium has developed a dynamic planning tool, the Strategic Framework 2020-2023.The framework empowers PALNI with greater agility to meet the needs of our supported institutions.
The PALNI Framework is a tool used to evaluate needs and set priorities. To support student success, PALNI adjusts action plans on a quarterly basis to address evolving challenges and opportunities—ensuring we optimize our time, expertise, and resources.
Framework Pillars
View the full Strategic Framework on the PALNI website.
In August 2014 and again in February 2015, PALNI library directors committed to “deep collaboration” between PALNI member libraries. PALNI libraries have been collaborating on a shared software system since 1992 and have continued to expand to new areas and methods of partnerships. In order to provide the evolving services that our users need, while containing costs, PALNI is becoming more deliberate in approaches to working together. PALNI has moved from sharing expertise or the occasional project to sharing resources, including staff. By reducing duplication of effort, this deeper collaboration can allow PALNI libraries to enable staff to focus, explore, and innovate to more effectively address needs and provide better service to students and faculty.
Principles:
Deep Collaboration is goal based, done for the right reasons.
Deep Collaboration requires a common need and problem solving skills as well as trust, respect, and understanding of each other.
Deep Collaboration uses the partnership of PALNI to do more together than any institution can do alone. It is a deliberate attempt to handle issues at a larger scale than a single institution could do alone, allowing each institution to benefit from the work of the others.
Deep Collaboration builds on strengths, shared efficiency, and reduced borders to eliminate duplication, address knowledge and service gaps, and develop expertise to meet current and future campus needs.
Deep Collaboration can occur PALNI-wide, in subsets of PALNI, and in partnership with people and organizations external to PALNI.
Deep Collaboration requires local administrative and staff input and buy-in on this method of extending capacity and services.
Deep Collaboration provides library staff with opportunities to try and learn new things and to have responsibility on a larger stage.
Learn more about PALNI Deep Collaboration.