Howdy Partner!

2011

New England Library Association2011 Annual Conference

Burlington Vermont

Link to Presentation

http://www.ivylibrary.com/services/resources

Today We Will Discuss

• Motivations to partner• Types of partnerships• Qualities of successful partnerships• Case studies• Hear your partnership stories

Mounting Pressure for Collaboration

• Across the country partnerships are a growing trend

• Elected officials expect them/duplication of waste and resources

• RFP’s include in strategic planning goals• Public and private sector opportunities

Partnership Potential

• Collaboration with other libraries– Programming– Purchasing/licensing– Technology– Collection development– Marketing and pr– Shared spaces– Staff and board training– Grant applications

Public Sector Partnerships

• Other county or local agencies• Local government councils• Educational institutions/literacy organizations• Economic/work force development

Private Sector Partnerships

• Health care • Technology companies• Financial institutions• Retailers

Libraries Need Partners

• Solve problems• Apply for grants• Increase customers and influence• Gain support and trust• Share expertise and limited

resources• Obtain feedback• Create new resources and

services

Library Partners Provide…

• New customers from entire population

• Access to considerable expertise

• Numerous resources• Trusted and valued agency

Be Selective

• Should support strategic goals• Shared mission• Complimentary/not duplication• Good reputation• Has resources• Understand win/win

Tenants of Strategic Partnering

• Library values partnerships• All sectors of community have viable

candidates• Valid reason for entering into partnership• Formal, well-managed process• Developed across organization• Process in place for regular review and

assessment

Importance of Signed Agreement

• Signals serious commitment• Agreement at senior management level• Defines terms, roles, purpose, responsibilities,

financial obligations• Anticipates changes in staffing

The Relationship

Glance,Date,

Engagement, Or Marriage?

Born to Read: Case Study

• Goal: Help families raise children with healthy minds and bodies

• Connection to health care agencies is a natural

Nurse-Family Partnership

• Nurses make home visits for 2 years to first-time, low-income mothers to help them succeed

• Nurses use our Born to Read Calendar as a teaching tool

Pinnacle Health Harrisburg

• Childbirth education class for lower income, at-risk families

• Goal: provide positive prenatal experience

• Born to Read is a regular part of this class. It’s never too early to read to a baby!

Housing Project Health Center

• Prescription book program• Library provided all materials• Center provided little feedback or staff

continuity for library• Library continued and adapted to their

shortcomings

Ups and Downs

• Some agencies fluctuate due to staff changes

• Agencies change priorities• Funding changes• Cultural differences in

deadlines, pace of work, etc.

A joint production of Schlow Centre Region Library and the Central PA Festival of the Arts.

Success Is…

• Personal relationships• Community visibility• Clear expectations• Good communications• Keep others in loop• Fluid evolution• Win/Win Situation

Let’s Talk School and Library Partnerships

• Broad public support• School libraries endangered species• Sounds Good/Hard to Execute• Different cultures/missions• Different policies/rules• Successful with classroom teachers/school

librarians • Often no support at the top• Short term/no long term vision

The Possibilities

• Resource sharing• Joint programming/book discussion groups• Homework support• Promotion summer reading• Joint use of technology• Community service projects• Outreach to schools w. inadequate resources

Support School Librarians

• Faculty in-service and training• Write copy for school newspapers and websites• Respect when they say no• Supplement their efforts• Engage in professional dialogue

Making Connections

• Volunteer at school events

• Back to school nights• PTA • Literacy nights• Kindergarten

registration

Good Partners

• Communicate regularly – dept meetings, district meetings, deliveries

• Collaborate – link websites, professional development, assignment alerts

• Distribute and share materials & information

Partnerships Stumble

• Staff changes• Different cultures• Mistaken expectations• Loss of energy• Unforeseen events

There will always be EBB and FLOW

Partnership Success

• Define need, project, roles• Work “with” not “for” your partner• Plan enough time and resources• Communicate and reassess frequently• Find the right person(s)• Keep board/staff/Friends in loop• It’s a learning experience!

Your Stories????

See Ya Later, Partner!