By Jennifer Bayer
Whether you are a tenure-track academic librarian at a university or a youth reference librarian at a small public branch library, your goal is to provide excellent services to your patrons, no matter what those services may be. Regardless of how librarians are labelled, we are all working towards a more information-literate population. However, despite the commonalities that are shared amongst every library and librarian, there can be hesitation when considering collaboration with another library, especially a different ‘type’ of library. This article attempts to convince all readers, especially those new to the profession, to reach out to a library outside of their comfort zone, and suggests how to best attempt collaboration.
It is not difficult to find examples of collaboration between public libraries and local government, public school systems, or small businesses. Similarly, collaboration between university and college-based librarians is a given; it is common for research-focused librarians to seek out others in their field for ALA posters, research articles, or programming. However, there are scarce real-life examples or research articles encouraging academic librarians to reach out to their public librarian counterparts, or vice versa. According to the library world, the silos of public and academic libraries appear divided, with collaboration being outside the norm.
One might say the lack of supporting literature and examples on this topic makes sense: why would a subject selector for Engineering have any reason to partner with a youth librarian? Alternatively, an adult reference librarian may not ever think of contacting an academic outreach librarian for partnership on programming, perhaps because they think their audiences too dissimilar. However, in both scenarios, a partnership could result in a community being served by the entire library population, not just one library silo at a time. We will revisit these scenarios later on.
For now, we will assume the audience has agreed with the proposal that increased collaboration between public and academic libraries is beneficial for their community. They want to put it into place, but how do they start? The following three steps can guide librarians when building a collaborative relationship:
1) Find a connection
If contacting a public library, starting with the branch manager is a good first step. They will be able to discuss their programming schedule, how their library is structured, and perhaps most importantly, what their budgetary and personnel restraints are. They may then direct you to the youth or adult reference librarian, who will likely be your most useful point of contact when it comes to the fine details, as well as actually executing the proposed event or program. They are out in the trenches every day and are well versed on their patrons and community needs.
When reaching out to an academic library, do some research first: Does your local university have an outreach or event team? If your local college is smaller, who is the face of the library? You may not need to go to the Dean of the Libraries in order to connect with the proper individual, but if you are unable to deduce who is the best match for your proposal, don’t be afraid to contact senior personnel to get your communications to the correct individual.
Additionally, be persistent! Whether you are contacting an academic or public library, do not be dissuaded by hesitation or uncertainty on their part. They may be hesitant because they are worried about their budget, or skeptical simply because this sort of thing hasn’t been done before. Keep reaching out – persistence and a friendly face can go a long way.
2) Have a need
Reaching out to a university or public library just for the sake of connecting or networking is great; however, having determined what ‘need’ you want them to fill is even better. Public libraries, much more than academic libraries, rely on programming and special events to attract and retain patrons. Although no two libraries’ event schedules are alike, in general, events are geared towards youth, teen, and adult. Academic libraries, in contrast, generally serve two populations: students and faculty members.
Recall the two potential partnerships mentioned earlier in the article. A youth librarian and subject selector for Engineering could develop a STEM program geared towards local youth. As for the academic outreach librarian, a Q&A session for incoming freshmen and their parents at the local public library could help boost the academic library’s visibility and reputation.
2) Be clear on expectations
If linking yourself with an academic or public library for an entire series of programs, with the potential expectation of making it an annual event, proves too difficult or has too many logistical barriers, participants may want to test the waters with a one-time program. Starting with a single programming event will allow both sides to feel out whether the partnership is a good fit, and if this collaboration is likely to be successful moving forward.
In addition, be sure not overextend your library in order to make a programming event happen. Making big promises that can’t be kept will damage your partnership, and make it less likely that the collaboration will last. If your budget or personnel can’t handle something, be up front and honest. All libraries, even the largest research universities, have budgetary restrictions, and honesty about your limitations is best in collaborative ventures. It can be easy to get excited about new opportunities and connections, but that excitement is better placed in creating programming.
In conclusion, go forth and network! Put aside the stereotype of the introverted, aloof librarian and make some new friends; you could be pleasantly surprised at what develops.
Jennifer Wilhelm Bayer is an adult reference librarian at Larry J. Ringer Public Library in College Station, Texas. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M University, and her Masters in Library Science from the University of North Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games, reading to her daughter, and dragging her family on vacations.