It’s Fun to Partner: Expanding Library Collaborations

Abstract

As funding continues to diminish in libraries, partnerships become even more important as a way to survive. Academic libraries often collaborate cross-departmentally within the university to enhance their impact on users. Expanding these collaborations to outside institutions makes libraries efficient, effective and responsive to changing needs of users. They extend the scope of resources and real-life experiences to participants, as well as increase awareness of library services. This paper will describe collaborations the Priddy Library engaged in not only within academia, but also innovative programs with national and local government agencies, while highlighting the pitfalls and promises of these partnerships.