Libraries are almost always collaborative organizations so when I started work at MoDOT I wasn’t surprised to find out that my library was part of several networks. The MTKN (Midwest Transportation Knowledge Network) and the TPF-5(105) (Transportation Library Connectivity Pooled Fund Study) are two efforts to encourage the promotion of library services to transportation agencies; the idea being that better information helps encourage better performance. Lately, however myself and several others have come against a dilemma. Transportation libraries each have specific focuses, but it’s difficult to collaborate in building a uniform collection standard across all agencies. Transportation agencies share common purposes – especially State DOT’s – but they are also as unique as the customers they serve. Is it possible that there are certain publications that all transportation libraries should have?

On one hand, the possibility that all transportation libraries should have certain materials is very real. Useful too. Every State builds highways, and roads and bridges.  But, on the other hand, the possibility that a standardized benchmark could exist is tempered by local disparate needs. Transportation libraries are alike but not that alike… are they?

I don’t know.

To make matters more complicated, at least in my library, the majority of information isn’t owned but merely accessible. The Pooled Fund and MTKN each ensure that I have access to nearly everything other transportation libraries do. This aside makes me wonder… do I still need to focus on collection development? Am I seeing an emerging trend? Should I, as MoDOT’s Librarian, treat my library as a stand-alone repository or is it OK to lean on my partners. Things are working now, and I’m helping to provide material to my patrons without relying on collection development standards, but what if the other Pooled Fund and MTKN members jump ship? They need to look out for their interests after all.

I wish I had an answer, but the more I think about it the more I think about it them more I believe I’m seeing something new. I think I’m seeing the emergence of a library network that doesn’t deal with things like they used to.

I suspect that any “standards” for collection development should be geared toward ensuring I “do my share” to collaborate… and no more. The material is already there. Everybody seems willing to pool it. So long as there isin’t abuse by group members and everyone continues to pitch in it’s possible that things are this way to stay.