What makes partnerships valuable? Our research shows that partnerships are beneficial for libraries when it comes to program design, program planning, program implementation, program impact, and capacity building.
What makes a partnership effective? Our research highlights five key factors that contribute to the success of a partnership: strategic alignment, effective teamwork, communication and expectations, interpersonal / relationship qualities, and tackling operational concerns.
How do libraries interact with their partners? Our research shows that partnership interactions come in all shapes and sizes, and that deep engagement is key to effective collaborative programming.
What do library partnerships focus on? Our research indicates that collaboration can help libraries create a wide range of programs, and that partnerships are an effective way to further libraries’ community engagement efforts.
How do libraries define the publics they serve? Our research shows that when thinking about their programming audiences, libraries are thinking about both the community on the whole and about specific groups.
We know that libraries do some of their best work when working with other community organizations. But how exactly do they do this? Who are libraries partnering with, and how are they interacting with their partners? What kinds of partnerships work well, and what makes these effective? And how can partnerships be leveraged to support libraries’ programming goals?