Sisterhood Library Project: the Collaboration among Rangsit University Library with School Libraries and Community in Pathumthani Province, Thailand

Abstract

Rangsit University, one of the top private universities of Thailand, has emphasized to create and support the good and moral society development. The Goodwill Mission or in Thai “Dharmacratic Society Development Mission” is one of the strategic roadmaps. It is not only for corporate social responsibility but also to create good governance and accountability. The university aims to be reliable and dependable to all especially stakeholder. Rangsit University Library started the Sisterhood Library Project since 2010. With the purposes of professional & technical services and community networking, The Rangsit University Library has established the long term plan (2010-2015) following the roadmap of “The University’s Goodwill Mission”. The Sisterhood Library Project is one among those projects. The sisterhood’s concepts are implied from its initials SISTER as following: S-Social; I-Integration; S-Sharing; T-Technical Services; E-Educational; and R-Resources. The objectives of this project are to establish the cooperation with the school libraries, public libraries and communities around Rangsit University’s neighbourhood in Pathumthani province in order to support and share information resources and services. The variety of activities have been created and implemented. For the schools and school libraries, there are books, educational and sport equipment donations, children literature and storytelling program, workshops on computer and literacy skill, walk rally & tours, etc. The Library also does the professional supports on librarian-teacher training and workshop on information literacy skill and library automated system. One of the important purposes is to connect with neighbourhood communities. Although Pathumthani is much closed to Bangkok, the local community of Mon (ethic group) is quite crowded and strong. As for local community networking, the Library has broadcasted the local radio program; organized Mon’s temple library; participated in community maintenance (temples, schools, public parks and areas) and offered a library membership program for villagers and community members.