Norwegian version

Østfold Library – new ways of co-operation

ABM Publication no. 33, “Østfold Library – new ways of co-operation”, contains the report and discussion of one of the most interesting public library projects of recent years.  The proposal for  “Østfold Library – new ways of co-operation” was launched in 2000, and the project has served as a pilot for testing network building and the seamless library in practice in the county of Østfold.

Østfold Library has reviewed the interrelationship of the resources of the libraries, both in terms of material resources and of skills, and has developed tools to facilitate shared initiatives.  The introduction of communal transport arrangements has led to an improved and more considered use of traditional material resources, which in turn has provided library users wider access to materials across local authorities and administrative boundaries.  Østfold University College Library has seen that it is able to provide its own students with a decentralized library service via the public libraries, whilst at the same time adopting the role of a special library for all inhabitants of the county of Østfold for their own specialist subjects.

By employing digital tools and exploiting the options currently available, Østfold Library has optimized the services available through the library network.  From the beginning of 2004, harmonized searches have been available, a joint service statement has been prepared, and a trial of  universal library cards has been carried out by the project. The libraries have participated in an on-going process where all restrictions to available traditional materials have disappeared.  For digitized materials, however, other restraints imposed by suppliers and copyright holders still apply.

Østfold Library has also co-ordinated and tested new ways to promote the spread of literature, both inside and outside the library.  As a result, the project has raised the profile of the library to the county’s inhabitants, for example by having campaign weeks for the spread of literature and by the venture of selecting “the Østfold Author of the Month”.  Another area of interest to the project has been competence enhancement.  This has involved the attachment of library personnel to work on specialist projects, brought new learning and provided important sharing of experience.  In addition, it has given library personnel in the smaller libraries the opportunity to participate in collegiate networks, thereby providing new working colleagues.

The project Østfold Library was made possible because of the county library’s initiating and leadership role, the readiness of the libraries and the parent institutions to take a lateral view of the resources, and to use of all of the available resources.  There has thus been the best use of the resources within the existing parameters.  In this respect the parent institutions have demonstrated their open-mindedness in engaging in pioneering work without regard to what the consequences might be for their own libraries.

In order to realize the project, external funding was required, but motivation, enthusiasm and creativity contributed to the positive results.   It is gratifying, therefore, to see that the project has indeed produced some lasting effects; in practice this lies in the transport arrangement which has now been extended to cover the Oslo fjord area, with Strömstad as a Swedish centre. Østfold Library has placed the focus on library users and has challenged the library community to take a fresh look at its processes.