We are getting back to the new normal. 82% of customers are generally receptive to face-to-face customer meetings. Gale Research established an academic research and engagement team. Partnerships increase ROI.

According to Marianne Ryan, Dean of Libraries, Loyola University the landscape has changed, but the disruption caused by the pandemic has had a long reach. Disruptions happened in everything, and many are still working in a hybrid mode. Partnerships are key in libraries, and there is much to be excited about and appreciate now. Change comes slowly if at all. Now there are ways we can engage with vendors that weren’t there before; the possibility of new modalities is making a large effect. The evolving reality is from physical to virtual, and supportive to collaborative. When we are meeting virtually; conferences become important.

Libraries and vendors really are better together. Understanding is a big piece of the relationship, which has become complementary. Vendors are more agile, causing expanding partnership opportunities

Megan Gaffney, Head, Collections and Access, University of Delaware said that RapidILL was used by institutions during COVID. Better together means working with vendors now and in the future.

Don Hawkins