howdy partner! 2011. new england library association 2011 annual conference burlington vermont
TRANSCRIPT
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!