The purpose of this collection of case studies is not to give a 'how-to' on forming partnerships, but to give a series of examples of actual partnerships. The commonality is that all of these are based on public libraries coming into partnership with a community entity, educational institution, business, or other organization. Some of these examples are large and complex, others are smaller and simpler. These case studies have been grouped into some very general categories, but they are by no means exhaustive. The partnerships between public libraries and other institutions can be established in myriad ways and through varying levels of commitment.
– Karen Ellis, Taylor Public Library, USA
Intended for public libraries in particular, the chapters provide examples and cases of successful collaborations organized into four areas or types: with government and social service agencies, targeted to specific programs or populations, serving the incarcerated, and educational with a focus on preK-12.[...] This is useful reading for those librarians in public settings who wish to collaborate more with the community and for students of library science to gain an understanding of outreach and collaboration/partnerships that work.
– Sara Marcus, American Reference Books Annual
With library funding continually under threat, it is timely to produce a resource providing ideas of how libraries can remain relevant through connecting to their communities. 18 contributors spanning a range of US state, local, educational, prison and governmental libraries, this collection provides readers with 14 examples of public libraries working with local organisations or institutions to connect with different communities. The content and examples provided are useful in providing public librarians with a better understanding of what might be possible for their unique requirements and limitations.
– The Australian Library Journal, Vol. 62, No. 2 -Sharon Uthmann, Bellingen Shire Council