Each year, Lyrasis staff members embark on an All Staff Retreat where we spend two days planning for the future, strengthening our organizational culture and deepening our commitment to our members and communities. It’s a time to reflect on the previous year and look ahead with intention, ensuring that our strategies, goals and values align with the evolving needs of the libraries, archives and museums that we serve. This year the Lyrasis team gathered in Baltimore, MD, with the theme of Full Steam Ahead: Connecting in Charm City, where coincidentally, Lyrasis has a high concentration of Lyrasis Member libraries. One highlight of this year’s retreat was the Lyrasis Member Panel discussion, where we invited local Lyrasis Members to join in on the discussion.
- Mary Gilbert, Towson University
- Emily Hurst, University of Maryland, Baltimore HS/HSL
- Maggie Saponaro, University of Maryland Libraries
- Kristen Welzenbach, Goucher College
These Lyrasis Members and Maryland library leaders shared insights about their institutions, their communities and the challenges they face, and discussed how Lyrasis can help them meet those challenges. The panelists were brought together by Kathryn Edwards, the Lyrasis Outreach Representative for the Mid-Atlantic, and moderated by Laura Sinhur, the Lyrasis Outreach Representative for the Northeast.
Membership in Action
Throughout the discussion, the Member Panelists emphasized that their relationship with Lyrasis extends far beyond traditional consortium benefits. The panelists spoke highly of Lyrasis Consulting Services for their expertise, patience and said that working with Lyrasis consultants felt like a relationship rather than a transaction. With each question and perspective shared, the panel reinforced that Lyrasis is a trusted partner that brings both efficiency and expertise to their daily operations.
Members shared how Lyrasis’ centralized billing, deposit accounts, and streamlined invoicing save time and reduce administrative burdens, especially for smaller organizations with limited staff capacity. As one panelist noted, “We don’t have the time or the people to manage complex billing. Lyrasis makes it easy, and that allows us to focus on our users.”
They also praised Lyrasis’ CSCI Services and Outreach Regional Representatives for their responsiveness and commitment, helping institutions stay current with trends, find vetted and affordable e-resources, and make informed decisions that save both time and money.
Innovation and Open Source Leadership
The Lyrasis Member Panelists spoke about the importance of open source and community-supported technologies in sustaining library services. Several shared how their institutions rely on ArchivesSpace, DSpace, and Fedora, not just as software solutions but as vibrant member-driven communities supported by Lyrasis.
One member described how participating in these open-source communities — as governance members, technical contributors and active users — allows them to shape the tools that power their libraries. “Without open-source software and Lyrasis’ community support model, we couldn’t deliver the sustainable, flexible digital services our patrons depend on.”
The group also highlighted the Lyrasis Catalyst Fund as a powerful example of member-driven innovation. Since the Lyrasis Catalyst Fund’s inception, Lyrasis has funded more than 1 million dollars to 36 recipients to fund new initiatives and projects. Panelists expressed admiration for how the program fuels creativity, supports collaboration and opens opportunities for smaller institutions to explore new ideas, be funded and grow.
Looking Forward
The Panel and Lyrasis All Staff Retreat concluded with a shared vision for the future — one rooted in innovation, inclusivity and community strength. Libraries and cultural heritage institutions are navigating rapid transformation, and Lyrasis is listening, supporting members, providing scalable solutions and building trusted partnerships. Our focus remains clear: to keep our members at the center of everything we do and connect with purpose.
If you're a member interested in participating in a future panel, or if you have feedback for us, please reach out to outreach@lyrasis.org.