Overview of the Consortium
History and Overview of the Consortium
In 1968, what was to become the Council of New Jersey College and University Library Deans, University Librarians and Directors formally organized under a slightly different name “in recognition of the need for closer cooperation” among academic libraries of public institutions in the state. Over time, this organization grew to include almost all academic libraries in the state. When VALE was formed in 1998, the Council was written into VALE’s Bylaws to provide oversight including responsibility to approve budgets, coordinate elections and approve changes to the Bylaws.
These two separate but affiliated organizations worked together to build VALE and expand consortial efforts across the state. Virtually all academic libraries in New Jersey participated in both groups. It became apparent that these two organizations were traveling on converging paths, so in May 2006, the Council decided to examine the possibility of a merger with VALE. The following month, VALE indentified a merger as a strategic goal during that group’s Strategic Planning Retreat.
After a good deal of research and consultation, it was recommended that the Council and VALE merge into a single consortium with a strong, clear voice, an active and committed membership, and a supportive and visionary leadership.
The Council Constitution and VALE Bylaws were amended, and the merger was approved by both groups to take effect in June 2007. The former Council became the VALE Members’ Council carrying forward many of its same responsibilities. After 40 years and many incarnations, the Council continues to serve the New Jersey academic community extremely well.
VALE is a grassroots organization with the goal of developing inter-institutional information connectivity and collaborative library application projects among New Jersey’s academic libraries. VALE’s objective is to help institutions meet the demands of students and faculty for access to scholarly materials. Through cooperation and leveraged purchasing, and through the use of collaboration and cutting edge technology, VALE seeks to provide a seamless network of access to shared electronic academic information resources throughout New Jersey. The New Jersey State Library and the New Jersey Library Association offer enthusiastic and continuing support. The VALE Consortium provides an extraordinary level of information access to academic resources in the state.
| Year 1 | 1998 - 1999 (FY99)
VALE was created as New Jersey’s first statewide academic library consortium. Funded by New Jersey Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Bond funds, matching institutional dollars and a grant from the New Jersey State library, VALE offered subscriptions for four electronic databases to 45 members from all academic sectors. |
| Year 2 | 1999 – 2000 (FY00)
Funded by a second grant from the New Jersey State Library and member institutions, subscription to 11 databases offered. |
| Year 3 | 2000 - 2001 (FY01)
Subscriptions increase to 18 databases with funding by member libraries and a #250,000 grant fro the New Jersey State Library. Membership rises to 49 institutions. |
| Year 4 | 2001 - 2002 (FY02)
Funding from the New Jersey State Library increased to $325,000. Combined with member library payments, this brought the database subscriptions to 28. Membership grows to 52 institutions. |
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Year 5 |
2002 - 2003 (FY03)
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Year 6 |
2003 - 2004 (FY04) |
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Year 7 |
2004 - 2005 (FY05) |
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Year 8 |
2005 - 2006 (FY06)
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Year 9 |
2006 - 2007 (FY07) |
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Year 10 |
2007 - 2008 (FY08) |
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Year 11 |
2008 - 2009 (FY09) |
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Year 12 |
2009 – 2010 (FY10) |
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Year 13 |
2010 - 2011 (FY11) |
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Year 14 |
2011 - 2012 (FY12) |
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Year 15 |
2012 - 2013 (FY13) |
VALE Upcoming Events
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Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
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Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 12:30pm - 4:30pm
