Partnerships: a successful strategy for libraries

Abstract

This study examined the way partnerships can contribute to the success of library services. This project illustrates how partnerships form the solutions to communal and funding challenges. It will also prove how successful partnerships can contribute and transform the library world. Considering modern funding constraints, this can be best done by collaborating and partnering with other local organisations, communities and businesses. Each public library has a different community to serve and therefore has different priorities and needs. With library budgets not expanding to keep up with growing needs and demands, libraries cannot successfully drive change to enhance the quality of life for children and youth. The quality of library services rendered in the province consequently suffered, because of the unfunded mandate. The mission of the library with respect to young adult services is to assist the individual in achieving a successful transition from childhood to adulthood by providing both access to resources, and an environment that meets the specific needs of young adults for intellectual, emotional, and social development. (UNESCO/ IFLA PUBLIC LIBRARY MANIFESTO, 1995) To meet this goal libraries need dynamic, innovative and inspiring partnerships. These relationships will inevitably transcend the traditional role of the library as an isolated entity. The libraries could no longer operate in a vacuum or a silo. They need to interact with other agencies, institutions, and groups to create partners, develop co-operative initiatives and work together.