The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the characteristics of seven major cooperative storage facilities for academic libraries in the U.S.A, Australia, and Scotland in order to provide a frame of reference for such a facility in Korea. Analyzed are unique characteristics of these storage facilities in relation to their physical facilities, uses and services for collections, participating organizations, ownership of resources, and integrated library management and access systems. Some objectives of operations and physical environments are shared by these storage facilities, and have some implications for the development of cooperative storage facilities in Korea.