Getting Started

• Read about the Sister Library initiative in this tip sheet. Check the bibliography and Web sites for additional information.
  
  
• Educate your staff and administration about the Sister Library idea.
  
  
• If a public librarian, involve your board in discussions about what you want to achieve.
  
  
• Analyze your library's needs - how could your library benefit?
  
  
• Identify your library's resources - what could you offer a Sister Library?
  
  
• Determine the level of commitment that you and your institution can make and who will be responsible for overseeing the project.
  
  
• Determine your budget for this program.
  
  
• Get approval and financial backing from your institution (i.e., board, administration, advisory group).
  
  
• Get your community involved. First involve the library community (staff, trustees, friends and volunteers). Then involve the public or your school, university, college or institutional community.
  
  
• Organize a local committee.
  
  
• Be flexible. The other library may have somewhat different objectives and expectations. Both libraries need to be involved in shaping the relationship.
  
  
• If you are establishing contact with a library in a non-English speaking country, make sure you have someone on your staff or in your community who is fluent in the language of the other country and is willing to act as your liaison.
  
  
• Find a Sister Library (see "How to Find a Sister Library").

For More Information:


American Library Association


International Relations Office


Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 3201


Fax: 312-280-4392


E-mail:
intl@ala.org