Dynamic Partnerships for Sustainable Development of Public Libraries for Young People in Zambia

MEYERS, Jane Kinney (2016) Dynamic Partnerships for Sustainable Development of Public Libraries for Young People in Zambia. Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2016 – Columbus, OH – Connections. Collaboration. Community in Session S27 - Africa. In: Building Cross Cultural Capacities for Universal Access to Information and Knowledge in Africa, 11-12 August 2016, Athens, Ohio, USA.

Bookmark or cite this item: https://library.ifla.org/id/eprint/2084
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Language: English (Original)
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Abstract

Dynamic Partnerships for Sustainable Development of Public Libraries for Young People in Zambia

Partners are more important for libraries than ever. While perhaps largely due to resource constraints, it is also related to understanding that the strengths and mutual benefits derived from collaboration and partnership will contribute to appreciating what libraries can contribute to their nations’ achieving the SDGs. In essence, libraries partner with their national governments to that end. Partnerships have always defined and animated Lubuto Library Partners’ work. Pioneering partnerships with the Zambia Library Service and those offering LIS education in Zambia and worldwide ensure that collaborative efforts to strengthen and expand libraries’ services to young people in the country and region are effective. It has been especially important in an environment that previously offered no children and youth library services or training, or that have suffered the deleterious effects of book donation programs, that, through cooperation and partnership, youth services be understood, owned and sustained. Private and public sector partnerships are needed, in tandem, with national and international entities, as well as with each individual library. Major partnerships finance Lubuto’s library development, training and advocacy activities. Partnerships with local businesses and community members help sustain the libraries. Partnerships with arts, health, ICT and other organizations enrich libraries through programs, services and resources. In turn, those agencies gain by using the library as a platform to reach their intended audiences. Initiatives such as preservation and promotion of indigenous children’s literature are nurtured by partnerships. Examples of partnerships with the Zambian Education Publishing House and a foreign technology company will illustrate the rich benefits to be derived from public-private collaboration. This paper describes a wide array and variety of partnerships that have guided and supported LLP’s scope and activities, along with interesting and exciting partnerships that make Zambia’s Lubuto Libraries rich places that play a central role in the lives of their users.

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