"LIBRARIES COLLABORATE FOR (SUMMER) LEARNING" Tips for making use of community resources and creating partnerships to keep the library buzzing in summertime and beyond!

Partnerships & Collaboration Overview When the library builds partnerships, it strengthens the ties to its community, shares resources, and builds positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. Reaching out to initiate community partnerships begins with identifying both traditional and non-traditional partners and exploring new ways to work together. Effective collaborations are sustained through a shared commitment to serving the ever-changing needs of the community. https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/partnerships.html

What is LSTA? The Library Services and Technology Act: Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/federallegislation/lsta http://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/resources/grants/?_sf_s=grants+for+libraries What is LSTA? The Library Services and Technology Act: The only federal program exclusively for libraries, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). State libraries use funds to support statewide initiatives and distribute the funds through subgrants or cooperative agreements to public, school, academic, research, and special libraries. Funding: Every fiscal year, Congress provides funding for LSTA in the Labor, Health Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Partnerships for Change 2001 - 2002. Palos Verdes Library District (Peninsula Center Library, Rolling Hills Estates, CA) $10,000 . The Partnerships for Change grants addressed the desire of public libraries to analyze and restructure their service programs to better respond to the changing demographics of their communities. In this grant, the library focused upon the needs of Japanese-speaking people in the library’s region. http://www.library.ca.gov/grants/lsta/docs/2001_02_LSTA_GRANTS.pdf

Tips and Techniques for Creating Strong Partnerships Build from existing relationships. Make sure the library is in the right place at the right time. Join existing coalitions and networks. Target groups and initiate specific strategies. Conduct focus groups to stay aware of community needs and opportunities. Organize a committee or meetings with community leaders. Contact members individually or meet one-on-one with leaders.

Tips and Techniques for Creating Strong Partnerships (con’t) Identify local groups and potential community partners. Include individuals/organizations that are well connected to the community. Make sure there are benefits for all parties. Utilize effective communication strategies. Have designated and responsible representatives. Focus on a specific project, program or issue. Put the right people in the right positions.

Compatible Library Partners --Businesses/Chambers of Commerce/Economic Development Organizations --Clubs, Nonprofits, Charities --Community Services Organizations/Associations/Clubs --Cultural Groups --Educational Organizations --Family Service Organizations --Government/Political Reps

Current partnerships Paterson Free Public Library “Full Service Community School” (FSCS) model—team of agencies provide programs in schools, visits to the library sites, conduct parent workshops; bookmobile; Back To School night; Paterson Housing Authority; Health & Human Services --word of mouth/exposure is a strong tool for potential partnerships --create library awareness in people/groups/ agencies “people begin to think about the library as a possible partner” Morristown High School Library book club partnership with the public library, the Morristown & Morris Township Library. https://njla.org/sites/default/files/NEWSLetterSummer2016REV.pdf

Current partnerships Camden County Library Commission and Rutgers Camden have come together to create an outpost branch of the County System located inside the Robeson Library on the Rutgers University campus. --RU Center for Fine Arts: library is venue 2-3 x/year --Starbucks/Shoprite: healthy food choices --BIG READ 2016: celebration, lectures, performances --Board of Social Services: staff visit the library, offers social service information/referrals Ocean County Library --Rotary Club—partner to provide $$ for digital resources --Health Department