INSIGHT ‘‘ SLG T
I wonder how many librarians know the name of the librarians in their local library, have ever spoken to the librarian in the nearest university or school library?
Kate Garnett is a Head Librarian at a co-educational school in London, where she oversees both the prep school and senior school libraries with a library team of two librarians and a graduate librarian trainee.
Time to pick up the phone – put on the kettle and meet the librarian neighbours
My recent move to London has influenced the way I’ve viewed my approach to developing my school library. With so many opportunities on the doorstep I’ve been thinking of ways to step out of my silo and harness collaborative partnerships.
HE well documented decline in reading among young people is a challenge facing all librarians, regardless of whether we work in school, public, or university settings. Instead of viewing this as an
insurmountable problem, I’ve decided to see it as an opportunity to unite and leverage our collective expertise and a chance to make new contacts. This isn’t about assigning blame or dwelling on the negative. It’s about practical, actionable strategies that can be implemented now.
So why should we collaborate? Each library sector brings unique strengths and resources to the table, from School Libraries with our direct access to young people within the educational environment, understanding their curriculum needs and reading levels. Public Libraries who offer a broad range of resources and programs catering to diverse interests and age groups, serving as community hubs from the youngest to the oldest. University Libraries provide access to research, expertise in information literacy, reading lists and resources for school students moving to higher education and support to schools with practical examples of why library skills are vital to university success.
I have been guilty of relying on ‘official’ projects; reading schemes, book awards and other national events – and these have their place, but what is stopping me from picking up the phone, sending an email and building local networks. I wonder how many librarians know the name of the librarians in their local library, have ever spoken to the librarian in the nearest university or school library? have taken a school group to the local library? can advise students on local study space during school holidays and weekends? I wonder how many other sectors we talk to at conferences and events, instead preferring to stick with those we know – I know I’m guilty! It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of our individual roles. However, by breaking down the silos between library sectors could help to create a cohesive and more supportive network. By working together, we can amplify our efforts and achieve greater success in fostering a love of reading among young people.
Summer 2025
So, to conclude, a few practical strategies for collaboration – let’s move beyond the abstract and focus on concrete steps we can take today!
l Pick up the Phone: A simple phone call can be the catalyst for a productive partnership. Reach out to librarians in other sectors in your local area. My recent success from this approach is an ongoing discussion about a library reading app with local public libraries and support for recent recruitment from university library courses where I am now able to support their student work experience request in return.
l Speak Up: Present your ideas to other libraries, share your struggles, actively engage with librarians in your area and see what strategies they’re using.
l Schedule a meet-up: Time to put the kettle on and invite local librarians for an informal meeting – show them around your library and enjoy time to visit theirs. Maybe explore opportunities for joint training sessions to facilitate networking and idea sharing.
l Joint Programming: Co-host events like author visits, reading clubs, or workshops.
l Cross-promotion: Promote each other’s programs and resources to your respective audiences.
l Make use of the CILIP Special Interest Groups to network.
Every library operates under different constraints and has unique strengths so focus on learning from each other and finding common ground and remembering that a ‘no’ might be a ‘not now’, finding the right time for everyone is important so don’t be put off!
Some simple ideas might be just about sharing work that is already done, a school librarian inviting a public librarian to present a summer reading program to students, a university librarian collaborating with a public library to offer information literacy workshops for older teens.
Start small – pick up the phone, send that email invite and reach out to librarians in other sectors. By working together, I believe we can make a real difference in the lives of young readers. IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 41
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