The Orbis Cascade Alliance provides services and programs both to Alliance member institutions and to non-member affiliate institutions in the Pacific Northwest.
Alliance Membership
Alliance institutional membership is open to any NWCCU-accredited non-profit academic institution in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. Institutions in contiguous states that can meet all member service, participation, and financial obligations may be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis.
Alliance members use a shared library management system and discovery interface; participate in resource sharing between members facilitated by a courier system; collectively acquire and license electronic resources; and contribute time and expertise to the consortium’s programs. Learn more and apply for membership.
Membership Contact: Isaac Gilman, Executive Director
Alliance Affiliate Programs
Alliance affiliate programs support libraries across the West, and benefit Alliance members and other participating libraries by expanding collaborative networks and services in the region. Participation in these programs does not require full membership in the Alliance; however, each program has specific criteria for participation.
Archives & Manuscripts Collections (A&M)
The Alliance’s Archives and Manuscripts Collections Service provides enhanced access to thousands of archival and manuscript collections through a database of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids (Archives West) and support for archival collection management with ArchivesSpace. The Archives West database provides a cross-search capability for member institutions and places members’ collections into context with related collections from other institutions.
Cultural institutions and libraries located in all Western states (except California) are eligible to join the A&M service. Learn more and become an A&M affiliate.
Program Contact: Maija Anderson, Operations Director and Program Manager, Open Strategies and Digital Collections
Courier
The Alliance maintains a physical delivery network for exchanging library materials across nearly 200 libraries in three states, working directly with dropsites and a courier vendor to provide service five days/week across our region.
Libraries of all types (academic, public, school, special) located in Oregon, Washington, and western Idaho are eligible to join the courier service. Learn more and become a Courier affiliate.
Program Contact: Lori Hilterbrand, Program Manager, Resource Sharing & Fulfillment
Electronic Resources Program (ERP)
The Alliance works with its member libraries and affiliates in the Pacific Northwest to facilitate acquisition and licensing of electronic resources. Libraries identify resources of interest and the Alliance works with respective content providers to negotiate discounts, coordinate trials, execute licensing, and manage invoicing.
Individual academic not-for-profit libraries located in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii are eligible to join the program. Learn more and become an ERP affiliate.
Program Contact: Jesse Holden, Program Manager, Shared Content & Scholarly Communication