TCA Pressroom
Press Release
Title: PALINET and SOLINET Boards in Merger Talks: Due Diligence Underway
Date: February 2008
Vendor: SOLINET and PALINET
Press Release:
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Donna Vito, Marketing Manager, PALINET, 215.382.7031 x1235 * vito@palinet.org
J. Michael Williams, Member Outreach & Communications Manager, SOLINET, 404-892-0943, ext. 3874 * jmwilliams@solinet.net
PALINET and SOLINET Boards in Merger Talks: Due Diligence Underway
The new organization's membership of more than 3000 institutions would
establish an unparalleled Community of Practice creating greater
opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia, PA -- February 22, 2008 - The Boards of
Trustees of two leading library cooperatives, PALINET and SOLINET, met
earlier this week and are moving forward with their intention to combine
the two organizations, subject to the approval of their respective
memberships. This is an exciting opportunity for two successful,
membership-driven organizations to join together to serve a diverse
library community. With the combined membership, resources and
expertise, the new organization would be uniquely positioned to meet the
rapidly evolving needs of libraries and cultural heritage organizations.
Carol Pitts Diedrichs, Chair, SOLINET Board of Directors, and Dean of
Libraries for University of Kentucky Libraries, explains, "It makes
sense strategically. Both organizations are passionate about the
services we provide, and there is much synergy between the two
Cooperatives. Members would benefit from combining the strengths of both
organizations."
Due diligence is currently underway and will continue for approximately
the next 60 days, after which the Boards of both organizations are
expected to make a final recommendation to their memberships.
Subsequently, a series of Town Hall meetings will be held throughout the
regions so that all members can participate in open discussions. The
process will conclude with a vote by each membership to proceed.
"Together, we have one of those rare and special opportunities to effect
the changes needed to impact the challenges we face today and into the
future. It is the right time in our profession to take this step." said
Joseph Lucia, President of PALINET Board of Trustees, and Library
Director at Villanova University.
The new organization would provide the same great service with the same
close local connection valued by both memberships. Additionally,
members could expect:
* A stronger library community - Over 3000 diverse member organizations.
* Expanded education curriculum - An expanded curriculum in topics
ranging from next generation library catalogs to collection management
for digital libraries and more.
* More consortial savings opportunities - Even greater volume discounts
on electronic resources and other products and services.
* Technology leadership - Expertise in the latest library technologies
from expert staff and library leaders at institutions throughout the
combined membership.
* Increased capacity for innovation - Development of essential new
programs through increased operating efficiencies.
ABOUT PALINET
PALINET, a member-owned and governed regional library network, was
founded in 1936 and is one of the largest U.S. networks, serving 600+
members throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. PALINET provides
innovative training opportunities through its classroom and online
distance education programs and live events and discounts on hundreds of
library services from more than 80 business partners through its group
purchasing program. For the latest information on PALINET, visit
http://www.palinet.org.
ABOUT SOLINET
The Southeastern Library Network, Inc. (SOLINET) is an Atlanta-based
not-for-profit library cooperative serving the Southeastern United
States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia) and the Caribbean.
A membership network of libraries and other information organizations,
SOLINET works in collaboration with many partners, from local to
international, to provide leadership for cooperative action, improve
access to information, and enable members to effectively anticipate and
address the region's needs for education, economic development, and
improved quality of life. http://www.solinet.net.
