Community connections, community collections. Building partner support for collaborative digitization projects
| Date | 09 May 2016 |
| Published date | 09 May 2016 |
| Pages | 88-102 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-08-2015-0013 |
| Author | David Gwynn |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology,Records management & preservation,Information repositories |
Community connections,
community collections
Building partner support for collaborative
digitization projects
David Gwynn
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro,
North Carolina, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to explore library–community collaboration from both a theoretical and
practical perspective, highlighting successful collaborative strategies and projects and illustrating
important considerations for libraries that are considering community partnerships.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper consists of a literature review and several “capsule”
case studies of projects completed at one academic library to illustrate principles that can result in
successful collaborative projects.
Findings – Library– community collaboration presents signicant benets if the needs and priorities
of all collaborating partners are taken into account. Successful projects will use the strengths of one
partner to balance the weaknesses of another, will be based on shared goals, will offer credit to all
partners and will result in stronger relationships for all involved.
Originality/value – Although library–community partnerships are not uncommon, many of
these partnerships are housed in public libraries or involve only large, institutional players. This
paper explores several non-traditional academic library initiatives involving youth service
learning and outreach to smaller community groups that might otherwise be ignored by large
university libraries.
Keywords Collaboration, Community, Engagement, Libraries, Digitization, Grants
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Libraries have always seen themselves as community partners, and community
collaboration has been a major factor in large digitization projects for the past two
decades or more. Despite demonstrated demand for community digitization
projects, many potential players lack even the most basic resources, particularly
those institutions who work with low income and underserved communities.
Outreach to community groups has often been seen more as a function of public
libraries than academic ones, as one may observe from the number of public
librarians contributing to books such as Carol Smallwood’s Librarians as
Community Partners (2010). In recent years, though, there has been a distinct trend
toward community engagement in academia as well, focusing on the more efcient
use of resources, outreach and recruiting, and community relations and support.
Libraries are also drawn to collaborative projects because of increased external
funding opportunities, enhanced collection synergies and credibility, and a sense of
community obligation.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2059-5816.htm
DLP
32,2
88
Received 31 August 2015
Revised 8 September 2015
Accepted 9 October 2015
DigitalLibrary Perspectives
Vol.32 No. 2, 2016
pp.88-102
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2059-5816
DOI 10.1108/DLP-08-2015-0013
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