Review of the Working Internationally for Libraries Programme in a presentation to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries, Information and Knowledge on 30 November 2021

1. Working Internationally for Libraries
2019-2021
All Parties Parlimentary Group Meeting 30 November 2021

2. CILIP's International Strategy
• Collaborate to advance the international contribution of the library,
information and knowledge sector
• Advocate on matters of international importance
• Demonstrate how our sector contributes to soft power
• Encourage and support members to work with international colleagues for
mutual professional development
• Support best practice in library, knowledge and information work
internationally and champion good teaching of LIS
• Facilitate exchange of knowledge, skills and experience to ensure benefit
to us and enhance what we have to offer others
Full CILIP’s International Strategy: www.cilip.org.uk/International

3. Working Internationally for Libraries
A 2-year project funded by Arts Council England to
promote collaboration and partnership between public
libraries in England and their international counterparts.
As an exploratory exercise, the project helped us in
understanding:
• the appetite and capability of public libraries in England
to develop international collaboration
• areas of mutual interest, challenges, and opportunities
amongst public libraries in England and the rest of the
world, and
• the need for a platform in the UK for international
activity in the sector

4. Benchmarking Survey
52
Public libraries in England
participated in the survey
Webinars
Digital resources
Blogs & Articles
Database of international libraries
Top themes:
-Knowledge-Exchange
-Reaching new, diverse audiences
-Cultural Diplomacy
Partnerships
MoAs signed with the African
Library & Information
Association and Sharjah Public
Libraries
Engagement with the
International Federation of
Library Associations
Capacity Building

5. Working Internationally Virtual Conference
Top themes
Collaboration
Advocacy
Knowledge-exchange
Equity & inclusion
Role of libraries & value of international collaboration

6. Building Bridges Projects
Norway
Denmark
Germany
India
Oldham
Oxfordhire
Redbridge
Barnet

7. Project 1: Oldham and Germany

8. Climate
Connections
‘Building Bridges’ Grants
Programme– Oldham, Bremen
and Hamburg Libraries

18. Project 2: Oxfordshire and Norway

19. Building Bridges –
Virtual Storytelling Project
Mark Sutcliffe
Service Improvement Lead
Oxfordshire Libraries

20. Project aims

21. Project delivery

22. Challenges and Learning

23. Project 3: Redbridge and India

24. https://youtu.be/b1oPfqOSIAA

25. Working Internationally Project Report
Download full report:
www.cilip.org.uk/workinginternationally

26. 2022 Onwards
An evidence-based Roadmap for:
• A formal infrastructure for international working in libraries, combining the capacity and efforts of existing
sector organisations with international agenda
• A proactive programme of promotion, capacity-building and grants to support libraries in global conversation
• Developing our international work across the Four Nations of the UK, and building potential partnerships with
Government departments, agencies and embassies.