How to Find a Sister Library

Several organizations have relevant information for establishing a Sister Library relationship. Check their Web sites for more information:

ALA International Relations Office
( http://www.ala.org/sisterlibraries)
The International Relations Office is setting up a database for recording Sister Library relationships. You can register directly to request a Sister Library.

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
( http://www.ifla.org)
Contact information for library associations in specific countries.

Rotary International
( http://www.rotary.org)
Contacts with organizations around the world.

Sister Cities International
( http://www.sister-cities.org)
Many communities have relationships at various levels with their Sister Cities except with their libraries. Sister Cities has a tip sheet that could help in finding a Sister Library for your library.

U.S. Peace Corps
( http://www.peacecorps.gov)
Information on volunteer exchange efforts throughout the world.

•Try informal routes and relationships. Find people or organizations in your community that have relationships with other countries. Consider which immigrant groups are represented in your community.

•Drop in on libraries in your travels. Talk with directors and staff. Encourage your staff or trustees to do the same.

•Contact international library students - they might return to set up a Sister Library relationship.

•Look at your community to find natural relationships to build upon - a festival or community specialty that might suggest a relationship with a community in another country.

•Many religious institutions have sister congregations. Find out if your religious institution has a sister congregation and establish a relationship between its community library and yours.

For More Information:
American Library Association
International Relations Office
Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 3201
Fax: 312-280-4392
E-mail: intl@ala.org