Monash-Melbourne Library collaboration in Asian studies
The collaboration between Monash University Library and the University of Melbourne Library is set to expand with a recent agreement to share staff with language and subject expertise in Japanese and Chinese studies.
The agreement builds on the highly beneficial arrangements made in the past, as part of the long-standing Asian Libraries in Melbourne (ALIM) initiative.
ALIM operates under the Melbourne-Monash Protocol, a broad alliance that promotes cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. ALIM facilitates access to Asian materials in the libraries and sharing of resources and expertise for the benefit of researchers and students.
Korean and Indonesian expertise is already shared between the two institutions. Recruitment for a Chinese studies librarian is being undertaken by Melbourne, while Monash already employs a Japanese studies librarian, who will now split her time between Monash and Melbourne. The new staffing agreement specifies a 70-30 split of activities across the two universities, with the majority at the home institution of each staff member.
University Librarian Cathrine Harboe-Ree said the extension of collaborative Asian studies staffing between the two libraries is very pleasing.
“Changes in staffing in both places have created an increased need and opportunity to consider what we might do together, building on an existing, highly beneficial collaboration,” Ms Harboe-Ree said.
“The sharing of specialist expertise in this way will provide opportunities for new research and education collaborations of benefit to both universities.
“We believe this arrangement could form a model for other similar areas of expertise where sharing would maximise resources and impact.”
Visit the Library website for more information on the Asian Studies collection or the ALIM website for more information on this initiative.