One of the difficulties with cooperative models is trying to include too many members with too many objectives. Experience shows that simple models work best.

Successful cooperative ventures tend to involve relatively few participants with modest objectives. Participants are encouraged to set objectives that are simple and achievable. Once it has established a record of success, the program soon attracts other institutions.

Typically, one librarian develops a successful cooperative idea and convinces a colleague in another institution of its merit. Because the proposal is easily understood and seems controllable, there is usually ready agreement from the senior administrators of the two institutions involved. A good idea being infectious, the ground has been prepared for a cooperative venture that could eventually include several institutions. This is the way most successful multinational corporations start, and there is no reason for preservation professionals not to emulate their avenue to success.

One fruitful strategy is to establish a local or regional preservation interest group. The group, set up informally by one librarian or preservation professional, can hold semi-social monthly meetings to listen to a speaker or see a technical demonstration. Although the group is made up of interested individuals rather than institutions, informal interaction often leads to cooperation.