Inspired collaboration Ideas for discovering and applying your potential

Stolz, head of programming and outreach services at Carroll County (MD) Public Library, has drawn upon her professional network to create this slim yet thorough primer for librarians who may be familiar with the terms community engagement and collaboration but need guidance to begin their own processes. The book is organized into four parts focused on why effective collaboration with community partners is a necessity for the survival of modern libraries: an exploration, based on the personal experiences of the authors, of common barriers and frustrations; a discussion of planning and implementing strategies; a look at best practices for working through the challenges that can lead to failure; and suggestions for starting the conversation with potential partners. An extended bibliography and several appendixes containing worksheets and tools for developing communication strategies supplement the text.--Szwarek, Magan Copyright 2016 Booklist

Stoltz (outreach & program svcs. coordinator, Carroll Cty. P.L.) is a huge proponent of collaboration; indeed, she collaborates with five other librarians (Susan M. Mitchell, Cen Campbell, Rolf Grafwallner, Kathleen Reif, and Stephanie Mareck Shauck) in this useful text. Together they explain why working together is vital to the library profession and propose ways in which it can be implemented. First the authors address threats to collaboration, such as excessive bureaucracy, failing to explore new ideas, and losing emotional control during challenging situations. Next they offer new ways to coordinate and implement; for example, planning with the end in mind, breaking down projects into manageable sections, and making sure to follow through. Later chapters provide suggestions on how librarians can become unified through listening and responding, stimulating curiosity, and employing a compassionate, cheerful staff. Throughout, the authors note key discoveries in their approach to collaboration. In general, this work is designed to be an interactive teaching tool. Each chapter ends with questions and considerations meant to facilitate discussion and spark creativity. Furthermore, the appendixes include worksheets to help with different processes. VERDICT This will serve as a great resource in the professional collection of a public library or as a library school textbook.-Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.