DCPS

Douglas County Public Library and Douglas County Public Schools have embarked on a collaborative partnership that has had great success during the first year. Highlights: > (Not all the vendors were happy about this) > > > They did a couple of workshops about the program > > Presentation slides from "//Partnering with a librarian from the Dark Side//: [] > Link to brochure: [] > Here are the Presentation slides from "//Seventy New Branches Overnight//" []
 * The libraries met and chose which databases would be useful
 * the public library added the schools' IP addresses so access from the schools would be exactly like it is in the library building.
 * The public libraries assigned school liasions to each school. Some liasions have more than one school, but no schools have more than oen liasion.
 * The librarians partner together with programming, book clubs, and events.

The Implications:

DPS and DPL have talked about sharing databases. With budget crunches affecting the public schools, this would be an advantageous option. The hold up is in making such a program mutually beneficial.
 * One answer has been to hold card drives, encouraging all DPS students to get a public library card.
 * this works for the bookmobile
 * electronic sign up has been adopted at a few schools
 * training in how to navigate the DPL web site is necessary for success.
 * Tours of public libraries are also an easy solution
 * Another push has been to have public librarians come to the schools to promote the summer reading programs.
 * To make this mutually beneficial, school librarians could help with summer Reading sign ups.
 * Promotion of programs at the public library and other community centers is another great option.
 * Free days at museums, zoo, Botanic Gardens
 * Reading groups
 * Homework help
 * contests
 * After school teen spaces at DPL branches

Many DPS schools already work closely with their local branches, but there is room for tighter collaboration.