Universal Availability of Publications Core Programme

Archive - Historical Material

Twinning Between Libraries

Several existing organisations have already done excellent work in the area of library twinning, but until recently there has not been a single focal point to which all libraries can turn when seeking twinning partners. The IFLA Twinning Database aims to fill that need.

Areas of professional interest on which partnerships may be based include:

• Exchange of information about libraries generally

• Improved access to published bibliographic information

• Exchange of information on management, technology and professional development

• Staff exchanges

• Exchange of library material

• Interlibrary loan and document supply services

• Staff training and development

Areas which might be taken into consideration in order to find suitable twinning partners include:

• size of library

• library type

• library department or section seeking a partner

• geographical location

• main language of communication

• required means of communication (post, electronic mail etc)

• benefits sought from the partnership

• areas of professional interest

• benefits offered by the partner

The IFLA Twinning Database aims only to identify potential partners. When a partner library has been identified by the IFLA UAP Office and initial contact made, the establishment of the twinning arrangement is made entirely by the libraries concerned. IFLA's role is not be to bring those potential partners together nor to establish the finer details of the partnership.

Unfortunately, IFLA does not have the resources available to help with any financial aspect of the twinning arrangement such as funding for exchange visits or mailing costs of exchanging material. General information is available, and excellent guidelines on establishing a twinning partnership already exist.

We are always especially pleased to hear from libraries in technologically developed countries who may wish to twin with a library in a less developed country.

Libraries should remember that:

• The decision to enter into a twinning partnership with another library should not be taken lightly, since successful arrangements require commitment and effort from both sides.

• Responsibility for the success of the arrangement lies firmly with the participants themselves.

• IFLA's role is only to provide initial contact information for the potential partners

• Intending participants should have something to offer to the partnership, and should be able to achieve benefits from it too.

Libraries seeking a potential twinning partner are invited to complete the Questionnaire for libraries seeking twinning partners which asks for full contact details, brief information about your library, information about the type of library you are seeking, and areas of cooperation in which you wish to build links. We would also like to know what you can offer to bring to the twinning partnership, as well as the benefits you hope to gain.

We have compiled a list of libraries seeking a partner for whom we have not yet been able to identify a suitable partner. We would be particularly pleased to hear from any libraries who feel that they match the criteria of any of these libraries and would be interested in establishing a partnership.

Requests for questionnaires, and any other enquiries or comments should be sent to: