We are the original collaborators in higher education. We know and live collaboration. Individually we have some attributes that are critical to successful collaborations. Librarians are able to organize groups, organize information flows, communicate, and move groups forward. In the UWired collaboration at the University of Washington, librarians were somewhat surprised about how unique these skills and attributes were, and how critical they were for successful partnerships.
Collaboration can enrich the student experience by creating learning communities.
Collaboration can enlarge research and learning opportunities for both faculty and students. Collaboration can embrace the needs of diverse communities and create a broader sense of identification with the academy. Collaboration can demonstrate the value of learning and build a culture of lifelong learning that transcends the campus. Collaboration can allow us to solve the really big problems. Many who have engaged in successful collaborations will tell you that collaboration is its own reward.