What are some best practices for developing and maintaining library partnerships with other organizations?

1 Identify potential partners

The first step in developing a library partnership is to identify potential partners that align with your library's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. You can start by conducting a community assessment to understand the needs, interests, and assets of your target population. Then, you can look for organizations that serve the same or similar groups, have complementary skills or resources, and share a common vision or purpose. You can also consider the benefits and challenges of partnering with different types of organizations, such as nonprofits, businesses, schools, or government agencies.

2 Establish clear roles and expectations

Once you have identified a potential partner, you need to establish clear roles and expectations for each party involved in the partnership. This can be done by creating a written agreement or memorandum of understanding that outlines the goals, objectives, activities, responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables of the partnership. The agreement should also specify how the partners will communicate, collaborate, and resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise. The agreement should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes or adjustments in the partnership.

3 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to maintaining a healthy and productive partnership. You should communicate regularly and openly with your partner, using the channels and methods that work best for both parties. You should also communicate respectfully and constructively, acknowledging each other's contributions, feedback, and concerns. Communication should not only focus on the operational aspects of the partnership, but also on the relational aspects, such as building trust, rapport, and mutual understanding.

4 Measure and celebrate outcomes

Another best practice for library partnerships is to measure and celebrate the outcomes of the partnership. You should establish a shared framework for evaluating the impact and value of the partnership, using both quantitative and qualitative data. You should also collect and share stories and testimonials from the participants and beneficiaries of the partnership, highlighting the successes and challenges. Finally, you should celebrate the achievements and milestones of the partnership, recognizing and rewarding each other's efforts and contributions.

5 Learn and improve

The last best practice for library partnerships is to learn and improve from the experience. You should conduct regular reviews and reflections on the partnership, identifying what worked well and what can be improved. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback from your partner, as well as from the stakeholders and users of the partnership. You should use the lessons learned and the best practices to inform and enhance your future partnerships, as well as to share your knowledge and expertise with other libraries and organizations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?