Abstract
This paper expands on a presentation delivered to the UKSG One-Day Conference on 15 November 2017, which had the theme of ‘Shrinking horizons? Scholarly communication in an anti-globalization environment’. The unique context of Cardiff University as the only Russell Group university in Wales, and a member of both WHELF and the GW4 consortium is explained, with the challenges and opportunities that this brings. The political and economic drivers in Wales are described, with some of the implications for future strategies. An overview of the current benefits from collaborative working within Wales, at a regional and a UK level and globally, and some of the dilemmas faced, is provided, with suggestions on how library services might need to push their boundaries by thinking and acting more tactically. Without concerted action there are risks to scholarly communications, particularly monographs, but there is much that can be done by working collaboratively to achieve change.