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.

The 21 participating COPPUL libraries 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 (April 2012) outlines the governance of the initiative, as well as the contributions and responsibilities expected from each participating library.

List of participating libraries:

Athabasca University
Brandon 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 Five

Phase 5 Overview

Timelines

01 Nov 2019: Participants have received their title lists for searching.
31 May 2020: Participants have submitted their responses. COPPUL starts allocating titles for retention. Instructions for volume-level validation and updating bibliographic records are available.
TBD: COPPUL sends out allocation lists to potential Archive Holders.
TBD: Archive Holders have performed volume-level validation and confirmed their commitments. Archive Holders can start transferring materials to secure, non-public storage and updating their bibliographic records.
TBD: COPPUL reports the confirmed commitments to CRL and produces the final report.

SPAN Reports:

SPAN 5 Year Report and Recommendations. Presented at the September 2017 Directors' Meeting.
2016 Report to Directors
2015 Report to Directors
2014 Report to Directors
2013 Report to Directors

Publications and Presentations about SPAN:

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," to the Print Archive Network, 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

Shared Print Archive Network (SPAN)

List of participating libraries:

Documentation:

Phase Five

Phase Four

Phase Three

Phase Two:

Phase One:

SPAN Reports:

Publications and Presentations about SPAN: