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Shared LSP Feasibility

Vision 

Libraries are at the heart of the institutions they serve. They provide access to the information resources that students and researchers rely on, and they offer support in using those resources—when and where that support is needed. Across BC, post‑secondary libraries use a range of library service platforms (LSPs) to acquire and manage their collections. These systems, often cloud-based, handle multiple content formats and procurement workflows within a single interface.

However, the diversity of LSPs creates an inconsistent user experience across institutions, inefficient and redundant delivery of shared information resources, and siloed contractual relationships with LSP vendors.  A coordinated approach to LSPs for the BC post-secondary sector would mitigate these inefficiencies and better support the priorities of BC’s Digital Learning Strategy by enhancing digital equity and reducing the cost of technology.

In July 2025, the BC ELN Steering Committee agreed to launch a feasibility study to better understand the opportunities and challenges of shared LSPs, as well as to define the Key Performance Indicators that would guide such an initiative. Should the study indicate that a shared approach is viable, the next steps would include identifying early‑adopter post‑secondary institutions and developing a detailed implementation plan.

Advisory & Working Groups

  • Shared LSP Leadership & Advisory Group [hereafter referred to as "Leadership Group"]: Representative of BC ELN partner libraries and interested partners, the Leadership Group’s purpose is to lead a feasibility study providing the evidence and analysis needed to determine whether a coordinated approach to LSPs is a viable, beneficial, and sustainable option for BC postsecondary institutions. 
  • Feasibility Study Resource Group [Call-out Coming Soon]: Reporting to the Shared LSP Leadership & Advisory Group, members representing a broad range of practitioners and library technology experts from different types of partner libraries will provide consultation and guidance for the feasibility study. 
  • Shared LSP Primary Contacts Group: Serves as a channel for disseminating regular updates and opportunities for consultation to individuals with technical expertise in integrated library systems (ILS) or library service platforms at all interested BC ELN partner libraries.

Engagement Opportunities

Shared LSP Water Cooler Session

March 25, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Pacific
Online via Zoom
Summary of the session [login required]

Timeline

  • March 2026: The Leadership Group meets to discuss a cost-sharing model for funding the feasibility study, which outlines suggested contribution amounts for partner libraries based on FTE.

  • January 2026: The Leadership Group holds its inaugural meeting. The meeting agenda includes a Chair election and discussion of how to approach funding the feasibility study.

  • December 2025: Representation is confirmed during the Steering Committee Business Meeting following the All Partner Meeting.

  • November 2025: Terms of Reference are revised based on Steering Committee input, and sent out to partner libraries in draft form along with a call for nominations.

  • October 2025: BC ELN Steering Committee Executive provides an update and requests further Steering Committee feedback on the proposed governance structure.​

  • September 2025: BC ELN Steering Committee Executive drafts a Terms of Reference for the Shared LSP Leadership & Advisory Group and circulates to the Steering Committee for feedback.

  • July 2025: A proposal brought forward to the BC ELN Steering Committee by Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the University of Victoria (UVIC) envisioned shared, unified, and consistent user experiences delivered through a coordinated approach to library service platforms (LSPs) through BC ELN. Broad support for this proposal prompted the Steering Committee to strike the Shared LSP Leadership & Advisory Group to lead a feasibility study.