Characteristics of Successful Partnerships Between Libraries, Schools, And Community Agencies‪.‬

Introduction Collaboration is constantly promoted as a valued activity for educators, librarians, and social service professionals. (1) Shared resources, as well as shared responsibilities, can lead to reduced costs and positive outcomes for a collaborative project. (2) For libraries, this could mean expanded services and greater visibility in the community. The proliferation of digital information means that no one agency or entity can hold all the necessary information needed by our society. In addition, we want and need to provide full access to all people, including those with disabilities, who live in rural or remote regions, or who have an economic disadvantage. The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) promotes the use of technology for sharing information between libraries and community agencies. LSTA funds are made available to state library agencies, with subgrants to public, academic, research, school and special libraries within each state. Appendix I provides an overview of LSTA projects during a two-year period. Primary goals are to provide extended library services and increased access to information for children and youth within their communities. This list of projects is only a portion of the 275 grants awarded nationally through LSTA. Other grants are awarded for collection development, technology enhancements, and collaboration between museums and libraries. (3)