International Library Partnerships: From Shoestring Startups to Institutional Sponsorships

This article explores international library partnerships from the basics of getting started, including identifying potential partners, non-travel partnering ideas, travel planning tips, and resources, to entering formal, institutionally supported partnerships that feature travel, librarian exchanges, and curricular tie-ins. Advice, including aligning proposed international partnerships with the mission and goals of one's library and institution, is offered. The authors share real-life experiences of their home libraries (Penn State University and California State University, Fullerton), as well as others.