1. Cooperation through International Partnerships
Nancy Bolt
Nancy Bolt and Associates

2. 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

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

4. More Benefits Broaden view of profession Share expertise
Change library image

5. 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.”

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

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

8. Where to Find a Sister Library
IRRT Sister Library Project
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

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

10. 11 Tips for a Successful Partnership
Enthusiastic primary contact
Director and possible Board support
Staff involvement… A committee?
Level of commitment and time allocated

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

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

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

14. Agreement to share which resources
Signatures

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

16. 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

17. Resources Nancybolt@earthlink.net IRRT Sister Libraries Project
Sister Cities
CAL International Library and Cultural Exchange