Here are a few wonderful examples of the benefits of being a WISPALS member:
- Group purchase and license of a state-of-the-art integrated library system (ILS), Innovative Interfaces’ Sierra and discovery layer, Encore. WISPALS members equally share the cost of the hosted ILS and save money on the purchase and maintenance price.
- Group purchase to a wide variety of highly used academic electronic databases including Infobase Films on Demand and ProQuest’s Career and Technology among others for a savings of up to 50% off the list price. The consortium manager handles the full lifecycle of the subscription process, from price negotiation to custom invoicing.
- Centralized billing through the consortium manager. The consortium manager pays all WISPALS invoices and charges members back on a schedule that suits them.
- Governance and management representation on the WISPALS Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
- Joint staff development, training, and initiatives support provided by WISPALS vendors, members, and the consortium managers.
- Basecamp access for all WISPALS members’ staff to communicate with each other and manage the work and documents of the consortium smoothly.
- Experienced and dedicated staff. WISPALS employs WiLS as consortium managers to act as liaisons with vendors and library organizations, prepare the annual budget, help facilitate monthly Executive Committee meetings, assist members with the ILS, execute current strategic initiatives, and facilitate planning for future initiatives, among other duties.