Over the past decade, the collaborative efforts between the University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries have overcome hurdles such as limited funding, language barriers, and political sensitivities to advance Tibetan Studies. Notably, the Tibetan collection at the University of Toronto’s East Asian Library has seen remarkable growth, expanding from 3,000 to nearly 9,000 items. This expansion has substantially improved access for scholars in both Canada and the United States.

The partnership includes collection development, joint acquisition trips, streamlined cataloguing processes through contract cataloger services, and improved research consultations. Through these endeavors, the partnership has enriched the Tibetan collections at both institutions, spanning a diverse array of materials such as books, manuscripts, maps, films, sound recordings, and electronic resources. Thanks to the coordinated cataloging and metadata creation process, these resources are now easily accessible. Moreover, the partnership facilitated the establishment of the first permanent Tibetan Studies Librarian position in North America, representing the only full-time librarian position among academic libraries in the region.

While significant progress has been made, several challenges have emerged in carrying out the partnership. The limited time allocation for the Tibetan Studies Librarian for the University of Toronto Libraries’ collection and services, as outlined in the current agreement terms, poses a challenge, particularly considering the increasing demands from the University of Toronto community. In addition, logistical constraints, such as the Tibetan Studies Librarian primarily working from Columbia University in New York and handling University of Toronto Libraries-related tasks remotely, create practical difficulties in acquisitions, cataloging, and donor relations. Ensuring cataloging quality and effective supervision of collection management require diligent communication and coordination between the off-site librarian and the head of University of Toronto’s East Asian Library department.

Furthermore, while opportunities for collaboration with the University of Toronto’s scholarly community in Tibetan Studies are expanding, such as onsite teaching support and community engagement, resource limitations and logistical challenges impede the realization of new plans or projects. Building unique and distinctive collections also necessitates dedicated onsite language and subject expertise.

Looking ahead to the next partnership agreement renewal in 2026, it is essential for both University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries to start reassessing and adapting their collaborative strategies now for long-term sustainability and effectiveness. This proactive approach might involve considering options such as increasing the time allocation for the Tibetan Studies Librarian’s University of Toronto work assignment. Furthermore, exploring alternative support structures, such as reallocating existing resources and allocating additional funding, could ease strain on the partnership arrangement and the department handling it, while also boosting the partnership’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the academic community at the University of Toronto. Ultimately, our main goal is to ensure adequate library services and support for the university’s research, teaching, and learning endeavors. To progress toward this goal, it is crucial to thoroughly understand where institutional systemic structures may fall short. This understanding is vital for advocating and fostering support for such a marginalized field in a constructive manner.

In conclusion, the partnership between University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries exemplifies the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing cultural heritage and information science on an international scale. Inspired by initiatives like the 2CUL project, established in 2009—a radical collaboration between Columbia University Libraries and Cornell University Library— University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries have demonstrated the power of cross-institutional cooperation in driving innovation and excellence in Tibetan Studies collection development and services. By leveraging existing expertise and resources, University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries overcame barriers and achieved remarkable progress. As they navigate challenges and continue to innovate, University of Toronto Libraries and Columbia University Libraries will undoubtedly inspire a collaborative spirit and further solidify their leadership in Tibetan Studies in North America.