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. While Alliance members also participate in these programs, participation does not require or constitute full membership in the Alliance.

Archives & Manuscripts Collections (A&M)

Cultural institutions and libraries located in all Western states (except California) are eligible to join the A&M service. (Current participants)

Program Benefits:

• The Archives & Manuscripts Collections Service provides enhanced access to thousands of archival and manuscript collections in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming through a database of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids (Archives West) and support for archival collection management with ArchivesSpace. 
• Archives West provides a cross-search capability for member institutions and places members’ collections into context with related collections from other institutions.
• Participation in the A&M services is a cost-effective way for institutions to build program capacity, expand services, and improve efficiency. 
• Learn more and become an A&M affiliate.

Program Contact: Maija Anderson, Operations Director and Program Manager, Open Strategies and Digital Collections

Courier

Libraries of all types (academic, public, school, special) located in Oregon, Washington, and western Idaho are eligible to join the courier service. (Current participants)

Program Benefits:

• The Alliance maintains a physical delivery network for exchanging library materials across nearly 200 libraries in three states.
• Library materials are delivered between libraries with an average transit time of 3 days.
• Courier services save participating libraries money over the cost of postal delivery of physical resource sharing materials and offer increased efficiency/reliability.
• Learn more and become a Courier affiliate.

Program Contact: Lori Hilterbrand, Program Manager, Resource Sharing & Fulfillment

Electronic Resources Program (ERP)

Individual academic, not-for-profit libraries located in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii are eligible to join the program. (Current participants)

Program Benefits:

• The Alliance works with its member libraries and affiliates to facilitate acquisition of electronic resources. Libraries identify resources of interest, and the Alliance works with content providers to negotiate discounts, coordinate trials, execute licensing, and manage invoicing. 
• Libraries that participate in the ERP benefit through group discussion, negotiation, licensing, and acquisition. These benefits include:
  • Cost savings through group purchasing,
  • Information sharing among members,
  • Coordination of renewal processes and reporting,
  • Reduced licensing burden for participating libraries,
  • Streamlining acquisition and invoicing workflows.
• Participating libraries share benefits of the program extending beyond cost savings, including advancing shared values such as accessibility, use rights, and privacy. Learn more and become an ERP affiliate.

Program Contact: Jesse Holden, Program Manager, Shared Content & Scholarly Communication