1 The M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries - Library Co-operation in the South East of England

2 Background Established 1993 ( 52 members Following changes in UK Higher Education  University of London institutions  Other pre 1992 universities in London  Post 1992 universities within London  Universities outside M25/regional ‘boundary’  Other academic-related within London

3 Governance and Finance Membership association No permanent secretariat Steering Group Working Groups Subscription model (banded in August 2004)

4 Activities for Library Services and Library Staff Collaboration and Partnership Continuing Professional Development Disaster Planning Disabled and Special Need Support

5 Activities for Library Users - Resource Discovery InforM25 ( Search catalogues Find a library Visit a library MASC-25 (  special collections AIM25 (  archives

6 Activities for Library Users - Access SCONUL Research Extra UK Libraries Plus INSPIRE

7 Successes and Problems High level of participation National profile but... Regional boundaries Advocacy in London only South-east University Librarians

8 Impact Resource Discovery  WiLL  FiiL

9 Future Developments New groups  quality issues  student services Continue collaborative activities to meet political agendas Not procurement

10 Conclusion Well established role Geographic focus Collaboration and mutual benefit Range of services Working with cultural and educational policy players

11 M25: Contact details Chair: Robert Hall (University of Surrey) Secretary: Suzanne Enright (University of Westminster) Directory of representatives Working Groups M25 Systems Team