These are the connections that make us who we are – the who, what, when, where, and why of Alliance programs and services.

Who is the Alliance?

The Orbis Cascade Alliance is a nonprofit consortium of 38 colleges and universities in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The Alliance runs a shared library management system and discovery interface, works on collective purchasing, facilitates access to unique and local collections, and coordinates resource sharing for our members.

• About the Alliance. Summarizes the types of groups that work together to move us toward our goals. Each group description includes information about what the group does and the membership of the group.
• Group Overview. Lists all project and standing groups at the Alliance, including those on hiatus or who have completed their work.
• Meeting Calendar. Shares information about scheduled group and community meetings.

What Does the Alliance Do?

The Orbis Cascade Alliance pushes the boundaries of what is possible in libraries through strategic collaboration in the Pacific Northwest. To advance member institutions, we create and deliver innovative, sustainable, and essential library programs and resources.

• Alliance Services. Lists programs and services and summarizes related returns on investment.
• Member and Affiliate Services. Summarizes services and programs provided both to Alliance member institutions and to non-member affiliate institutions in the Pacific Northwest.
• Programs. Briefly describes programs, and lists related standing and project groups for each program.

When Does the Alliance Work with Member Institutions?

Members use a shared library management system and discovery interface (SILS), currently based on Ex Libris Alma and Primo; 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. 

Members may opt in or out of other services that are determined by the Board of Directors to be opt-in (e.g., most database purchases, additional courier drop sites, participation in the Archives & Manuscripts service).

Where Does Alliance Work and Collaboration Take Place?

Staff from member institutions contribute time and expertise to the consortium’s programs through many types of groups. Their collaborative efforts are the backbone of the Alliance. Alliance Staff support these groups and provide centralized coordination and organizational structure.

Why Participate in Alliance Work?

Participating in Alliance work opens opportunities to connect with other library staff in our region, collaborate to meet shared goals, learn within our community, and explore innovative paths to advance the work of libraries and archives in higher education.

• Group Structure. Defines the work of Standing and Project Groups, along with the criteria for serving.