Shared Print Archive Network (SPAN)

The Council of Prairie and Pacific Libraries' Shared Print Archive Network (SPAN) is a distributed retrospective print repository program. SPAN's main goals are to provide access to shared print archives, create opportunities for the reallocation of library space, and preserve the print record for its members in a cost-effective way. Rather than thinking about the project in terms of preserving the "last copy," this partnership emphasizes the role of the archived print as part of an optimal copy network that includes other print archiving initiatives.

22 of COPPUL's full members have agreed to consolidate and validate print journal backfiles at major library storage facilities and selected campus locations. Selection of titles for inclusion in SPAN will be made using a risk management framework: journals will be categorized as Low- , Moderate- , or Higher-Risk based on their availability electronically, rarity, and relevance to the region (Western Canada).

The COPPUL Shared Print Archive Network Member Agreement outlines the governance of the initiative, as well as the contributions and responsibilities expected from each participating library.

Standing Committee

Phase 6 Working Group

Indigenous Historical Publications Working Group

List of Participating Libraries

Athabasca University
Brandon University
Capilano University
Concordia University of Edmonton
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
MacEwan University
Mount Royal University
Simon Fraser University
Thompson Rivers University
Trinity Western University
University of Alberta
University of British Columbia
University of Calgary
University of the Fraser Valley
University of Lethbridge
University of Manitoba
University of Northern British Columbia
University of Regina
University of Saskatchewan
University of Victoria
University of Winnipeg
Vancouver Island University

Documentation

Phase Six

Phase 6 Outline (20201104)
Phase 6 Working Group
Phase 6 Overview
Phase 6 Detailed Inventory Procedures
Phase 6 Documentation for Archive Holders
1:25,000 series inventory spreadsheet (view only)
1:63,360 series inventory spreadsheet (view only)
Kick Off Meeting recording (20210915)

Phase Five

Phase Four

Phase Three

Phase Two

Phase One

Reports to Directors

2021 September
2021 March
2020 September
2020 March
2019 August
2018 September
2018 February
2017 September (SPAN 5 Year Report and Recommendations)
2017 June
2016 March
2015 September
2015 March
2014 March
2013 March
2012 September

Publications and Presentations

D. Brigham & R. Dickson, "COPPUL Digitization and Collective Collections Services," at the CRL Print Archive Network Forum, American Library Association Annual Meeting, Online, Jun 25, 2021.
D. Brigham, "COPPUL Shared Print Archive Network," at CARL @Risk North Symposium, November 10, 2017.
G. Bird & S. Wong, "Consortial shared print archiving: perspectives from Canada," Library Management, 35(1/2), 2014: 45-55. doi:10.1108/LM-05-2013-0045 Open access version
G. Bird & S. Wong, "Consortial shared print archiving: perspectives from Canada," at Academic Librarian 3, Chinese University of Hong Kong, May 31, 2013. Abstract.
G. Bird & L. Crema, "Do We All Need to Keep That? Shared Print Archiving in COPPUL," at BC Library Conference, Richmond BC, May 10, 2013.
G. Bird & L. Crema, "COPPUL Shared Print Archive Network," at the CRL Print Archive Network Forum, American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Seattle WA, Jan 25, 2013.
S. Wong, "Shared Print, Shared Knowledge". Feliciter 2012, 58(6): 30-32.
G. Bird & G. Ashoughian, "All together now: planning for shared print archiving at Canada's western universities," Collection Management 2012, 37(3-4), 260-270. doi:10.1080/01462679.2012.685433 Open access version

For more information, contact:

Doug Brigham
SPAN Coordinator
span@coppul.ca