Due to continuous budget cutting and rising cost of reference database, it has become a general concern for university libraries in Taiwan to develop strategies to acquire as many databases as possible in a cost-effective way. The cooperative approach is considered as a possible solution. The purpose of this study was to make proposals for this issue. Firstly, it surveyed reference database collection of university libraries in Taiwan; secondly, it analyzed and explored university libraries’ needs and opinions regarding methods of cooperation. The result of the questionnaire survey and interview showed that university libraries spent a significant amount of money on the subscription of reference databases. It also revealed a high percentage of duplication among libraries. All university libraries expressed the willingness to participate cooperative program. To form regional centers was considered by most libraries as an appropriate strategy to achieve the goal.