Strengthening Regional Inter-Library Collaboration: A Proposed Revitalization of the Bicol Consortium of Academic Libraries (BCAL)

Abstract

The Bicol Consortium of Academic Libraries (BCAL) was established in 2018 but remained largely underutilized because of the absence of a formal governance structure and resource-sharing policies. This study assessed the status of BCAL and developed a proposal for a governance structure and a digital resource-sharing policy to revitalize it and strengthen regional academic library collaboration. Using a descriptive case study design, fifteen academic institutions from the Bicol Region participated through a survey questionnaire. Results revealed that there is limited awareness of governance documents, undefined member duties and the absence of conflict-resolution policies. Despite these gaps, member institutions still expressed strong interest in collaboration, with all policy-related questions rated as Strongly Agree (from 5.00 to 5.73 in a six-point scale). The study proposed a framework addressing organizational structure, membership rights and duties, leadership qualifications and financial management. Along with it is a digital resource-sharing policy covering access, cataloging standards, licensing, technology infrastructure, quality assurance, and data security. Findings reveal that while interest in collaboration is present, formal structures are essential for sustainable and improved consortium operations.