[Reposted from Project ReShare]
BOSTON, MA
October 12, 2023
Project ReShare has selected the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), a formidable coalition of libraries in the northeast US, as its new fiscal sponsor. The BLC Board of Directors and the Project ReShare Steering Committee agreed that the partnership would be mutually beneficial, serving an integral administrative role within the ReShare Community and furthering BLC’s strategic priorities.
Project ReShare sets the standard for how libraries collaborate, share resources, and connect people to information. ReShare focuses on the development of open source, user-centered, standards-based, community-driven, and community-owned library resource sharing technologies and tools. Development of ReShare products is based on principles of co-governance of a shared technology roadmap.
BLC is committed to empowering libraries by fostering the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale. Through its innovative fiscal sponsorship program, BLC provides essential infrastructure and services to projects that align with its charitable objectives, enabling them to concentrate on their missions and resource development, rather than on administrative operations.
Established in 2018 by a visionary group of libraries, consortia, information organizations, and developers, Project ReShare is entering a new phase of maturity, one focused on shoring up the development roadmap, governance, communication, and administration. “This is the ideal time to partner with the Boston Library Consortium on fiscal sponsorship,” said Lisa Croucher, Executive Director of TRLN and chair of the ReShare Steering Committee. “BLC has demonstrated its commitment to the values of Project ReShare and brings the infrastructure and skills that the Project needs now, on the precipice of expansion.”
Charlie Barlow, Executive Director of BLC and a member of the ReShare Steering Committee, agreed. “BLC has already demonstrated our commitment to Project ReShare through our investment in development of Controlled Digital Lending functionalities in ReShare Returnables,” he said. “BLC, in partnership with the ReShare Steering Committee and its Treasurer, will provide thorough and comprehensive oversight of ReShare finances.”
Both ReShare and BLC recognize the importance of collaboration, transparency, and innovation in the evolving landscape of library resource sharing. The combined strengths of the two organizations enhance the reach and impact of shared resources and shape the future of knowledge dissemination and access. This partnership underscores the shared belief that we can overcome challenges and redefine the boundaries of what libraries can achieve.
About Project ReShare
The ReShare Community is a group of libraries, consortia, information organizations, and developers who came together in 2018 to create Project ReShare – an open approach to library resource sharing systems. The ReShare Community has a bold vision for building a user-centered, app-based, community-owned resource sharing platform for libraries. ReShare members are setting a new standard for connecting library patrons to the resources and information they seek.
About BLC
Boston Library Consortium empowers a coalition of libraries in the northeastern United States to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale.
Founded in 1970, BLC’s strength lies in its diverse membership network of public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, state libraries, public libraries, and special libraries united by a commitment to champion innovation through collaboration. For more information, visit blc.org.
Contacts:
Lisa Croucher
Executive Director, Triangle Research Libraries Network
Chair, ReShare Steering Committee
lisa@trln.org
Charlie Barlow
Executive Director, Boston Library Consortium
Secretary, ReShare Steering Committee
cbarlow@blc.org