Abstract:Uncovered in the course of a 2011 study looking at partnerships between academic and public libraries in Canada was a unique series of partnerships among a college library, public library, regional library system, and school district library system in Medicine Hat, Alberta. With little or no additional funding, these libraries have partnered to deliver library services beneficial to both their primary clients and the broader community. Through a case study of the libraries, it is possible to determine the value and the challenges of partnerships and the elements of organizational culture necessary for successful partnerships.
Abstract:Libraries play a key role in the social and economic health of communities. For remote communities, however, library resources (space, library materials, furnishings, technology, and staff expertise) can be difficult to access and costly to provide. Joint use libraries are a possible solution. Through the joint use library structure, partners share the costs of establishing and maintaining the library. Shared space, materials, expertise, and operational costs result in libraries that are more economically viable and, therefore, more likely to be sustainable. In 2013, an exploratory case study research was conducted of two joint use libraries in northern Manitoba, Canada, involving a college and two communities to assess the partnership structure, community perception of the library, the college's rationale for participation, and the benefits to the communities and the college. In addition, the research aimed to determine key factors in the partnerships' success. Using interpretive methodology, qualitative data were gathered through small group and individual semi-structured interviews. Quantitative factual data provided context for the libraries' development. The research highlighted elements critical for joint use library success and presents components of a possible joint use library model between a postsecondary institution and a community.
Purpose
The paper looks at the assumption that the captive audience of students and faculty lessens the need to market the academic library. The paper highlights the challenges experienced by academic libraries and discusses the vital importance of focusing library marketing and services on the needs of the clients rather than the needs of the library itself.
Findings
Academic libraries are affected by many of the same issues found in public and special libraries, particularly changing information access and distribution models and budget restrictions, resulting in the need to market library services to clients. Academic libraries need to ensure that library marketing focuses on client needs.
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