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The Next Ten Years of TRAILS: 2026-2036

The TRAILS General Council adopted this framework on May 20, 2026, as a means for the Consortium to be recognized as leader in information access on each Member's campus and a model for library collaboration throughout Montana.

1. Enhancing Strengths

  • TRAILS must continue to prioritize seamless resource sharing and facilitation of collaboration among Member libraries because the ability to access information and learn from colleagues is critical to the Consortium's ongoing relevancy and success.

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2. Identifying Opportunities

  • TRAILS must promote awareness among higher education leaders about how each Member library contributes to student academic achievement and alumni career success.

  • TRAILS must be a leader in outreach and engagement with students, faculty, and policymakers to highlight the successes of Member libraries.

  • TRAILS must be at the forefront of data collection to maintain reliable information about the operations, financing, and human resources of Member libraries.

  • TRAILS must identify and implement new methods to support positive vendor engagement among Member libraries which maximize the benefits of the Consortium.

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3. Building Relationships

  • TRAILS must formalize a partnership with the MLA Academic & Special Libraries Division so both entities can benefit from a unified set of goals and schedules.

  • TRAILS must identify new opportunities for partnership from both within the library and higher education communities as well as external entities who can positively contribute to the success of students and faculty on each Member's campus.

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4. Setting Audacious Goals

  • TRAILS must identify emerging trends within higher education so it can be a resource for libraries anticipating how to meet the latest service needs of students and faculty which are not being addressed elsewhere on a campus.

  • TRAILS must adapt to advancing information and computing resources by assisting libraries seeking to be at the forefront of responsible use of technology such as artificial intelligence.

  • TRAILS must be ready to evolve by exploring ways to implement new initiatives including but not limited to: Consortia Manager, Orbis Cascade, and examining methods to make all library and information services available to all students on each Member’s campus.

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