Research

Collaboration between public and school libraries is not a new idea. In fact, the benefits and drawbacks of such partnerships has been debated for decades. Below are links to some of the most recent research.

media type="custom" key="4517208"** Text version: [] Found on Slideshare, posted by username JMThuma
 * Slideshow:

Katz, Jeff. (05/01/2009). "A common purpose: public/school library cooperation and collaboration." //Public libraries, 48//(3). 28-31.
 * A common purpose: public/school library cooperation and collaboration **

In this article, Katz talks abuot his first foray into forging partnerships with the local school libraries. He asserts that successful collaboration requires communication, connections, and a common purpose. He believes that collaborations can be long-lasting and successful if three elements are present: cooperation, respect, and practical ideas. He offers practical tips for working together for both public and school libraries.

"relationships," American Library Association, September 27, 2006. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/slmrcontents/volume32000/relationships.cfm (Accessed October 14, 2009) From the abstract: //This paper explores the range of successful, cooperative relationships between public libraries and school library media centers. The author delineates factors that need to be considered when building successful relationships. It is assumed that such relationships improve library services and ultimately provide youth better access to resources in their quests for information, knowledge, and learning. The factors identified include a shared vision and common goals; a process of formal planning that involves the establishment of joint policies and procedures; commitment on the part of administrators, decision makers, staff, and the general public; active communication and interaction; and adequate funding and staffing that allows innovation and risktaking.//
 * School and Public Library Relationships: Essential Ingredients in Implementing Educational Reforms and Improving Student Learning **

From the website: "In February 2004, the ALSC/AASL/YALSA Joint Task Force on School/Public Library Cooperative Activities sent a message to several electronic mailing lists soliciting information on exisiting school/public library cooperative programs, their funding source, and contact information for the point person. We also asked for cautionary tales (programs or experiments that did not succeed or that encountered roadblocks others may want to know about). Our focus was cooperative, collaborative or partnership programs between elementary, middle or high schools and local public libraries. We excluded items about joint-use libraries and items about cooperation between libraries and other agencies/age groups. This page lists the responses we received." Contents:
 * ALSC ** **Resources** **page for School and Public Library Cooperative Programs:**
 * =====[|Assignment Alert Programs]=====
 * =====[|Book Collections/Kits]=====
 * =====[|Book Discussion Groups]=====
 * =====[|Community Reading Projects]=====
 * =====[|Delivery to Schools]=====
 * =====[|Large, Systemwide Initiatives]=====
 * =====[|Library Card Campaigns]=====
 * =====[|Library Cards for Educators/Schools]=====
 * =====[|Public Library Visits to Schools]=====
 * =====[|Publicity (including newsletters)]=====
 * =====[|School Visits to the Public Library]=====
 * =====[|Special Events]=====
 * =====[|Summer Reading Programs and Lists]=====
 * =====[|Tutoring/Student Success Programs]=====
 * =====[|Cautionary Tales]=====