ABSTRACT
This article dcscribcs the special relationship between Carnegie Mellon University Libraries and Sirsi Corporation, which was forged in fall 1994. It discusses the motivational context in which this relationship emerged, negotiation strategies, and the elements and ongoing activities of the alliance. The University Libraries’ expertise in library automation research and development was instrumental in forging the relationship that was a key factor in selecting Sirsi as Carnegie Mcllon’s integrated library management system vendor. This article discusses the three primary elements of the alliance-research, collaboration, and marketing-and the benefits of these activities for Sirsi, Carnegie Mellon and other academic customers of Sirs’s integrated online library system, Unicorn. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800-342-9678, E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com]
