A group of higher education academic libraries in Montana is marking its tenth anniversary in April, celebrating a decade of shared resources and services that benefit students, researchers, and communities across the state.
The Treasure State Academic Information and Library Services (TRAILS) consortium was founded in 2016 to improve efficiency and expand access to learning materials for more than 40,000 students at 25 member institutions. The Montana State University Library is among its members. The group says it has saved Montanans millions of dollars annually through collaborative efforts.
“TRAILS helps academic libraries across Montana leverage collective buying power to negotiate group contracts for core e-resources,” said Doralyn Rossmann, dean of the MSU Library. “Consortium members collaborate across institutions to reduce barriers for our users. Every Montanan benefits when we work together.”
To celebrate its anniversary, TRAILS will hold its annual Academic Library Symposium from May 20-22 at Carroll College in Helena with the theme “Libraries in the Age of (Mis)information.” The event will feature presentations on topics such as artificial intelligence, technology in libraries, intellectual freedom, public policy, and more. Registration is free for both in-person and virtual attendees.
Pamela Benjamin, TRAILS executive director based at MSU Library, said: “A decade after the formation of TRAILS, this year’s symposium is an opportunity for celebration. TRAILS represents the collective strength of Montana’s academic community, proving that we achieve more for our students when we move forward together.” She added: “Libraries are one of the most important institutions when it comes to navigating the (mis)information landscape. Many TRAILS member libraries are open to the public and offer reliable and authoritative information to all Montanans.”
Benjamin described TRAILS as a “powerful equalizer” serving every higher education institution in Montana—including tribal colleges, private colleges, all campuses within the Montana University System as well as teaching hospitals—by ensuring equitable access to research tools regardless of institution size.
Jerusha Shipstead from Miles Community College said participation enables broader access through “collaborative purchasing,” while Adrienne Violett from Chief Dull Knife College noted that shared resources help prepare tribal college students for further study at four-year universities.
Montana State University leads research funding efforts within Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website. It also contributes through volunteer initiatives aimed at improving lives statewide according to university sources. MSU ranks among the top five percent globally per Center for World University Rankings as reported by university data, enrolling about 17,165 students split between residents and nonresidents according to official figures.
MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant university focusing on research solutions addressing key challenges as stated by MSU, extending influence beyond state borders according to university information.