Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University’s Richard E. Bjork Library recently became the 80th member institution of the Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation (PALCI).

Stockton joins PALCI’s growing consortium of academic and research libraries working together to provide cost-effective, sustainable access to academic resources and services across the region.

As a mission-driven institution dedicated to inclusive access to higher education and student success, Stockton brings a powerful commitment to academic excellence and innovation in library services. PALCI membership will expand Stockton’s access to affordable electronic collections and interlibrary loan services, including the consortium’s expedited EZBorrow system.

These enhanced capabilities are especially critical this year as Stockton undertakes a $19.5 million renovation of the Bjork Library — ensuring continued access to research materials while physical collections are temporarily displaced.

“Stockton is deeply committed to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and our library plays a vital role in fulfilling that mission,” said Gus Stamatopoulos, director of Library & Learning Commons Operations. “PALCI is at the forefront of library consortia and will allow us to expand access to high-quality research resources, connect with a network of like-minded institutions, and offer meaningful professional development opportunities to our staff.”

The Bjork Library is well-integrated into Stockton’s student success efforts, particularly within first-year programs. It also houses distinctive collections, including the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center and archival materials on early 20th-century Jewish farming communities in South Jersey — collections that will contribute unique value to PALCI’s collaborative network.

Bjork Library’s team of librarians has already hit the ground running with PALCI, beginning the behind-the-scenes work of integrating library systems, reviewing PALCI offerings, and preparing to contribute their own resources and expertise for the benefit of all PALCI members. “Their commitment to active collaboration, engaged partnership, and shared collections makes them an ideal new member with whom we’re thrilled to celebrate this major membership milestone,” said Jill Morris, Executive Director of PALCI.

By joining PALCI, Stockton gains access not only to shared resources but also to a community of academic libraries working together to reimagine the landscape for scholarly access and infrastructure through initiatives like open-source resource sharing and repository software, innovative licensing models, and professional learning opportunities.

For more information about PALCI and its member institutions, visit palci.org.

PALCI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) consortium of 80 academic and research libraries across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Since 1996, PALCI has empowered members to work together to ensure cost-effective, sustainable access to knowledge through shared investment in library collections, technologies, and cooperative licensing. By leveraging the collective scale, buying power, and expertise of its members, PALCI partners to design distinctive opportunities that broaden affordable access to critical academic resources. Serving more than 800,000 students, faculty, and staff, PALCI also offers high-impact solutions that strengthen support for teaching and research — such as the expedited EZBorrow interlibrary loan service and collaboration infrastructure for resource sharing. In an era of rising costs and rapid change, PALCI stands out as a strategic asset that advances academic excellence, boosts operational efficiency, and delivers lasting value to its member institutions.