Partnership Toolkit

Resources for Libraries

A group of children sits on the floor and listens attentively to a man with glasses reading a book, while two women sit nearby. The setting appears to be a cozy, well-lit classroom or library, with a clock on the wall and a window in the background.

Resources for Libraries

Through NILPPA we strive to equip libraries with information and tools to help them successfully fulfill their roles as civic and cultural hubs.

Based on our research, we have created the following resources to help library workers understand, evaluate and plan programming for their communities.

Partnering for Stronger Programming:
A Toolkit for Libraries

Tools to help library workers forge, evaluate and maintain effective partnerships that can be leveraged in service of their programming goals

Libraries do their best work when they work with partners. NILPPA explores how library workers respond to the needs of their users to understand best partnership practices and measurable indicators of impact. Partnering for Stronger Programming: A Toolkit for Libraries helps library workers determine long-term goals and ways to begin and sustain impactful partnerships. The five different tools can be used individually or in combination.

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Cover page of the Partnering for Stronger Programming PDF

Partnerships & Impact

Identifying the areas in which library programs can make meaningful differences in people’s lives

NILPPA has identified nine specific areas where library programs can make meaningful differences in people’s lives. How many areas is your library programming touching?

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Photo of the phrase "Come Together" painted on a wall in a parking lot.

Programming Competencies

Identifying the core competencies that library workers need to create successful programs

Effective library programming draws upon a wide range of job skills – from event planning to marketing to budgeting. NILPPA has identified nine library programming competencies that are vital to producing successful programming.

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Image of the 9 Core Library Programming Competencies Chart. Going clockwise text reads: Knowledge of the community, interpersonal skills, creativity, content knowledge, evaluation, financial skills, outreach & marketing, event planning, organizational skills.

Library Program Dimensions

A conceptual framework for categorizing public programs

It’s more than just a good idea with effective execution. Creating a great program starts with understanding your institution, audience, and intended outcomes. Through years of research, NILPPA has developed a framework for identifying the dimensions and subdimensions of successful programming.

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Screenshot of the What Makes a Library Program PDF