SOLINET, PALINET Merger Approved; New Organization: Lyrasis
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 02/05/2009
- Networks serve neighboring regions
- Could lead to greater consortial savings
- 95% approval vote
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The regional library cooperatives SOLINET and PALINET, which announced plans for a merger in February 2008, will merge April 1 into a new organization: Lyrasis. More than 95% of members voted “Yes.”
The agreement creates a regional powerhouse. PALINET serves libraries in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and beyond. SOLINET (Southeastern Library Network, Inc.) serves more than 2500 members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Caribbean.
The new organization, backers said, will have the combined resources, shared expertise, and improved operating efficiencies to achieve rapid implementation of new programs; greater consortial savings opportunities; extended networking and collaboration among members; innovative technology solutions; and an expanded education curriculum.
New realities
“The current economic realities for both libraries and their communities underscore the necessity of a strong consortium like Lyrasis–we are leading the charge to bring more savings to members through active negotiations with the vendor community,” stated Kate Nevins, executive director at SOLINET and future Lyrasis CEO.
“Our members will now be able to collaborate with peers at diverse institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the Southeastern U.S. and nationally, working together to respond to constantly changing expectations of our users, wherever they may be,” Nevins said.
"We expect cost savings to members through stronger negotiation from the combined Lyrasis membership and efficiencies will allow us to expand our program offering," said spokesman J. Michael Williams. He said there would be no office consolidations, as the organization, which will be headquartered in Atlanta, will maintain a location in Philadelphia. No changes in staffing have been announced.
Official changes
According to the summary agreement, SOLINET will be officially merged into PALINET, which will change its name to Lyrasis. While Nevins will be CEO, PALINET executive director Cathy Wilt will serve as president, reporting to Nevins.
The board following the merger will include seven members from SOLINET and seven from PALINET, with three additional trustees to be elected by the board.
And what’s Lyrasis? According to the FAQ, “The name was inspired by the constellation of Lyra which hosts one of the galaxy’s brightest stars and guiding lights, and the suffix sis can designate a process, often associated with change (as in metamorphosis). Together, they position Lyrasis as your guide through the ever-changing world of information services.”
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