ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how a regional alliance of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) collaborates around its members' shared mission of collecting, preserving and providing access to the primary resources of the history of Los Angeles, California. The LA as Subject case study demonstrates that a network of cross-sector collections provides a focus for collaboration, as well as a degree of visibility and sustainability that would not be possible if individual participating members just pursued business as usual. Working together, alliance members capitalize on economies of scale associated with numerous shared costs in addition to avoiding expenses absorbed by the host institution.
This prototype regional history network has inspired other grassroots LAM collaborations. They customize functions and activities according to their own priorities and provide further food for thought regarding considerations for cultural heritage institutions working together. Other collaboration models and possible paths forward are explored, framed by the reality that economic considerations for collaboration are tied to an array of core organizational sustainability factors such as staffing levels, budget priorities, succession planning and a will to innovate via partnerships outside LAM environments.
