Cooperation through International Partnerships Nancy Bolt and Associates

Cooperation through International Partnerships Nancy Bolt and Associates nancybolt@earthlink. net

What Is an International Partnership? o A formal or informal relationship o Formal agreement n n Approved by governing officials Brings stronger commitment Brings better public relations Tends to last longer

Benefits of International Cooperation o Increase cultural understanding o Increase access to information o Learn new services and technologies

More Benefits o Broaden view of profession o Share expertise o Change library image

What Some Partners Say “The residents of both communities have developed an appreciation of each other's culture and an understanding of each other as people. “ “The library's participation in these events has brought people in to the library, earned coverage in the newspapers and in newsletters, and has been a way to get to know townspeople involved in various organizations. Participation also has been stimulating for staff , who have discussed the difference between the libraries and what they can learn from each other. ”

Typical Partner Activities o Exchange library information o Exchange library resources o Share training programs o Share programs and exhibits

More Activities o Share cultural events o Assist in library development o Shared publicity o Develop personal contacts

Where to Find a Sister Library o IRRT Sister Library Project http: //www. ala. org/rt/irrtcommittees/irrtsisterlibrary/sisterlibrary o Checklist to help plan Sister Libraries partnership o Tips on how to find a Sister Library o List of libraries seeking partners o Sister Library Success Stories o Helpful resources

More Ways to Find a Sister Library o Sister Cities o Other community partners o NGO contacts o IFLA o Personal travels

11 Tips for a Successful Partnership 1. Enthusiastic primary contact 2. Director and possible Board support 3. Staff involvement… A committee? 4. Level of commitment and time allocated

More Tips 5. A common language 6. Frequent communication with your partner 7. Financial resources 8. Community involvement

9. Face to face meetings if possible 10. Formal agreement 11. Be flexible

A Formal Agreement o Participating libraries o Goal and purpose of the partnership o Primary intended activities o Agreement to share which resources o Signatures

o Agreement to share which resources o Signatures

In Summary Libraries from around the world have benefited from Sister Library Partnerships. They bring information, recognition, a sense of accomplishment, and global understanding.

CAL International Library and Cultural Exchange o CAL programs o International Library Education o Mid-wife for Sister/Partner Libraries o Library tours o Grants for cultural understanding projects o International Library Newsletter

Resources o IRRT Sister Libraries Project http: //www. ala. org/rt/irrtcommittees/irrtsisterlibra ry/sisterlibrary o Sister Cities http: //www. sister-cities. org/ o CAL International Library and Cultural Exchange https: //ilceig. wordpress. com/ Nancybolt@earthlink. net