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

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

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

More Benefits Broaden view of profession Share expertise 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 Exchange library information Exchange library resources Share training programs Share programs and exhibits

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

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

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

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

More Tips 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 Participating libraries Goal and purpose of the partnership Primary intended activities Agreement to share which resources Signatures

Agreement to share which resources 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 CAL programs International Library Education Mid-wife for Sister/Partner Libraries Library tours Grants for cultural understanding projects International Library Newsletter

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