Making the connection: effective strategic partnerships

Irene KnoxChief Executive, Libraries NI

• How do we demonstrate the intrinsic value and worth of libraries at a time when government is questioning every £1 spent on public services?

• How do we convince our politicians that libraries have an important role to play in delivering their priorities?

• How do we get (and keep) libraries on the agenda of key decision-makers?

Questions

Opportunities for All (Ireland)‘… recognise the role of public libraries in promoting economic growth, stability and community cohesion’

Expert Review of Public Libraries (Wales)‘Libraries will play a vital role in the ongoing delivery of local and national priorities…’

The Case for a National Strategy (Scotland) ‘…an opportunity to deliver a range of services to support local and national government priorities’

Sieghart Review (England)‘… future of libraries should be seen as all of Government’s responsibility’

‘Libraries make an important contribution to realising DCAL’s vision of a “confident, creative, informed and vibrant community”, as well as a wide range of other Government objectives.’

Delivering Tomorrow’s Libraries (N Ireland)

Our Key Principle:

‘We will develop strategic partnerships to widen access and optimise the use of scarce resources’

Priorities

Sustainable economy

Tackling disadvantage

Improving health and well being

Strong and shared community

High quality and efficient public services

“To improve children and young people’s health, well-being and life opportunities thereby breaking the long term cycle of multi-generational problems.”

Tackling Disadvantage

Delivering Social Change

Sustainable Economy

Building a CV

Job Search skills

Interview techniques

Employability skills

Essential skills

‘We want to see more people in work and this public service innovation, delivered jointly through DEL and Libraries NI will help to achieve that goal’Simon Hamilton, Minister of Finance

‘It is important that all government Departments acknowledge their responsibilities in rural areas.’

Michelle O’Neill, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development

Improving Health and Wellbeing

28 rural libraries

16 mobile libraries

Partnerships Policy

Strategic partnerships are an important way of realising Libraries NI’s objectives:

•increasing participation

•improving and extending existing services

•developing new services

•delivering services more efficiently

•raising profile of libraries

• Part of a long-term strategy

• Mutually beneficial goals

• Commitment and leadership

• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities

• Proactivity

• Tenacity

• Building and sustaining relationships

To be successful…