A Step-by-Step Guide

Forming effective partnerships between public libraries and public schools can enhance students’ learning experiences and help bridge the digital divide. Here’s a 10 step-by-step guide to building successful collaborations.

Step 1: Establish Shared Goals

The foundation of a successful partnership lies in shared objectives. Both libraries and schools must align their missions to support student learning and community development.

• Action Items:
  • Host an initial meeting with school administrators and library staff to discuss mutual goals.
  • Identify specific areas where both institutions can collaborate, such as digital literacy, early childhood reading, STEAM education, or equitable access to technology.
  • Draft a clear purpose statement outlining the shared vision for the partnership.

Step 2: Identify Key Stakeholders

Collaboration requires input from individuals who will drive the partnership forward. Schools and libraries should identify key decision-makers, educators, librarians, and community members who can contribute to the partnership’s success.

• Action Items:
  • Form a collaborative team that includes teachers, librarians, media specialists, IT staff, and community representatives.
  • Designate point persons from both the school and library to serve as liaisons who communicate regularly.

Step 3: Develop a Collaborative Plan

A detailed plan that outlines roles, responsibilities, and timelines is essential for moving the partnership from concept to action.

• Action Items:
  • Develop a written partnership plan that includes:
    • Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define what each party will contribute.
    • Activities and Events: Outline the programs or initiatives both institutions will co-host (e.g., shared book drives, tech workshops, or literacy programs).
    • Timeline: Set deadlines for implementing specific activities.
  • Use a project management tool or shared calendar to track important deadlines and events.

Step 4: Create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Formalize the partnership by drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the terms and agreements between the school and library.

• Action Items:
  • Draft an MOU that includes:
    • Scope and purpose of the partnership
    • Roles and responsibilities of each institution
    • Agreement on resource sharing (e.g., technology, personnel, spaces)
    • A timeline for reviewing and renewing the partnership
  • Have both parties sign the MOU to formalize the agreement.

Step 5: Leverage Resources

Maximize the impact of the partnership by sharing resources that support students, educators, and the broader community.

• Action Items:
  • Resource Sharing: Share digital resources, reading materials, and technology between the school and the library (e.g., e-book subscriptions, research databases, and digital literacy tools).
  • Joint Professional Development: Provide cross-training opportunities for teachers and librarians to build digital skills, understand curriculum needs, and enhance instructional strategies.
  • Access to Physical Spaces: Open up library meeting rooms or makerspaces for school projects, parent-teacher events, or community workshops.

Step 6: Develop Co-Hosted Programs

Organize programs that serve mutual goals, such as improving literacy, providing STEM opportunities, or ensuring digital equity.

• Action Items:
  • Student Programs: Offer after-school programs that incorporate digital literacy, homework help, or coding workshops.
  • Family and Community Engagement: Host joint family literacy nights or technology training workshops for parents and guardians.
  • Summer Learning Initiatives: Collaborate on summer reading programs or digital skills camps to prevent learning loss during school breaks.

Step 7: Communicate Regularly

Open lines of communication are essential for keeping the partnership on track and addressing any issues that arise.

• Action Items:
  • Schedule regular check-in meetings with library and school representatives to assess the partnership’s progress.
  • Use digital platforms (email, messaging apps, or shared drives) to communicate updates, program schedules, and new opportunities.

Step 8: Evaluate Impact

Regular evaluation is critical to ensure that the partnership is meeting its goals and making a positive impact on students.

• Action Items:
  • Collect and analyze data, such as student participation rates, feedback from parents, and academic performance improvements.
  • Use surveys or focus groups to gather input from students, teachers, and library staff on the effectiveness of programs.
  • Review the MOU and partnership plan annually to assess areas for growth or revision.

Step 9: Sustain and Grow the Partnership

Once the partnership is established, look for ways to expand and ensure its sustainability over the long term.

• Action Items:
  • Seek grant funding or sponsorships to support joint initiatives and secure additional resources.
  • Explore new programs or services that address evolving community needs, such as digital equity initiatives or new curriculum support.
  • Share success stories with the community to build support and increase visibility for the partnership.

Step 10: Celebrate Success

Recognizing and celebrating achievements fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates continued collaboration.

• Action Items:
  • Host an annual event to celebrate the partnership’s successes and highlight student achievements.
  • Publicize milestones in local media, newsletters, or social media to raise awareness and community engagement.

By following this step-by-step guide, schools and libraries can create sustainable, impactful partnerships that enhance student learning, foster digital literacy, and strengthen community ties.

For more information on scheduling professional development sessions with Mary E. Pettit, NBCT, Ed.D, a veteran public school educator, child literacy advocate, educational researcher, and keynote speaker, please visit www.udlsolutions.com. Mary offers customized workshops focused on digital literacy, the Science of Reading, and Universal Design for Learning, designed to support educators, librarians, and administrators in creating inclusive, innovative learning environments. Whether you’re looking for staff training, keynote presentations, or collaborative consulting, Mary’s expertise and passion for equitable education can help drive meaningful change in your organization.

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Guidelines for Library-School Partnerships: A Step-by-Step Guide