NC LIVE Launches New Carolina Cooperative Library Services, Available to All Libraries and Schools in North Carolina and South Carolina

From NCLive:

NC LIVE is pleased to announce the launch of Carolina Cooperative Library Services (CCLS), a new cooperative purchasing service available to all libraries and K-12 schools in North Carolina and South Carolina. CCLS will save libraries time by centralizing the negotiation, licensing, ordering, renewal and invoicing elements of e-resource and software procurement. CCLS will save libraries money by negotiating exclusive bulk discounts on relevant e-resources and software.

“Anyone who’s been to Costco understands the value of buying in bulk,” explained Rob Ross, NC LIVE’s Executive Director. “When libraries buy things individually, they pay full price. When they buy together through a co-op like NC LIVE, they benefit from the combined purchasing power of the group. NC LIVE reduces the overhead for suppliers, which translates to lower prices for participating libraries. It’s truly a win-win.”

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Regardless of how many deals a library joins, they will receive one invoice, eliminating duplicative administrative work. In addition, CCLS will provide libraries access to an online platform where they can review deals on offer, comparison shop, and make purchases.

K-12 schools, public libraries, and academic libraries are all eligible to participate in CCLS. “We are excited to partner with NC LIVE on the Carolina Cooperative Library Services initiative,” said Leesa Aiken, Agency Director of the South Carolina State Library. “We share a belief that negotiated discounts through collaborative purchasing agreements expand equal access to information for all Carolinians. Equal access to information provides opportunity for individuals to pursue goals and interests. We encourage our South Carolina libraries to participate in this endeavor.”

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CCLS will offer its first deals this spring, with subscriptions beginning July 1, 2020.

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