Book Review: The Collaborative Imperative: Librarians and Faculty Working Together in the Information Universe:

The Collaborative Imperative: Librarians and Faculty Working Together in the Information Universe edited by Dick Raspa and Dane Ward. American Library Association, Chicago, Illinois. 2000, 158 pages, $24.00 Cloth, ISBN 0-8389-8085-6. Reviewed by Frances A. Davis. Extensive evidence supports the benefits of collaboration to both faculty and students, and the editors of this book call collaboration the "next great transition in higher education" (p. viii). The highest levels of collaboration, such as those found in learning communities (including those described in this book at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis and at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington), are gaining increased approbation in higher education literature. According to Leaning and Ebbers (1999), Benefits for students include higher academic achievement, better retention rates, greater satisfaction with college life, improved quality of thinking and communicating, a better understanding of self and others, and a greater ability to bridge the gap between the academic and social worlds. Faculty benefits include diminished isolation, a shared purpose and cooperation among faculty colleagues, increased curricular integration, a fresh approach to one's discipline, and increased satisfaction with their students' learning. (p. iv) The collaboration models and projects discussed in this book make up one important piece in the formation of learning communities, and, indeed, led to such college-wide projects. The stated purpose of this book is to provide a "map" for librarians and faculty to use in exploring collaborative possibilities, to provide useful tools for collaboration, and to persuade librarians and faculty to "risk engaging in the collaborative process " (p. viii). The first chapter, "Listening for Collaboration: Faculty and Librarians Working Together," is primarily a motivational essay with a sprinkling of advice. Raspa and Ward warn that collaboration "cannot be undertaken unilaterally," that "collaboration requires significant effort, lots of time, and a desire to make things happen, " and that "It requires space for exploration without pressure for immediate result" (p. 7). The authors of this chapter describe the collaborative relationship they have developed over a period of years based on intelligent listening to each other and a strong interpersonal relationship. They identify five elements they consider critical to the success of a collaborative effort-passion, persistence, playfulness, project (willingness to take on a big project), and promotion. In the next essay, "Creating Connections: A Review of the Literature," Doug Cook examines the need for librarians to make connections with the rest of the campus. Cook explores the types of connections (networking, coordination, and collaboration) that have been reported in recent library literature as well as gives experiences of librarians who have created such connections. He also cites social science literature that defines collaboration and the components of successful collaborative experiences. "Case Studies in Collaboration: Lessons from Five Exemplary Programs" by Scott Walter discusses five successful collaborative projects that have each been part of an institution-wide effort of collaboration or have grown to encompass the entire campus culture. These five programs provide valuable insights into how successful faculty-librarian collaboration can fit into a learning community. The second essay by Raspa and Ward entitled "New Science and Collaboration in Higher Education" presents a view of the modern educational institution as one based on "fluid organizational structures" in which "collaboration becomes the dominate mode of working" (p. 83). They recommend the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as a useful tool in facilitating mutual understanding for those seeking collaborative relationships. "Collaborations in the Field: Examples from a Survey" by Gallegos and Wright gives additional examples of collaborative endeavors gleaned from a survey of model projects submitted via electronic discussion groups affiliated with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). …