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Title:

Co-operation in Action

Review:

Co-operation, partnership, collaboration – all buzzwords in the current political climate but also a reality for most librarians. Given the growing emphasis on cross-sector and cross-domain working, the publication of this book is timely. Offering the expertise of a range of well-known contributors, the book presents a snapshot of current co-operation. But don't be misled by the "world of information" referred to in the book's title – this book is firmly focused on public libraries, museums and archives, albeit with significant space given to the academic sector. Whilst co-operation with other sectors is referred to, there isn't the level of detail I was hoping for, as someone working in the health sector.

The book opens with a foreword by Tessa Blackstone, Minister of State for the Arts, which serves to emphasise the current political lean towards partnership and collaboration, referred to in the book. The current climate in the UK is considered by several contributors, who outline influences and issues which are probably relevant to all types of library/information service. The book comprises 9 chapters in total covering issues such as funding; areas where co-operation is working such as preservation; and the perspectives of key organisations such as academic libraries. An overview of the international dimension concludes the book.

Two organisations which are particularly important in facilitating co- operative initiatives are the British Library and Resource, each meriting a chapter in this book. The chapters make for interesting reading, covering;

• The British Library approach to partnership working, with some detail on their Cooperation and Partnership Programme (BLCPP), and activities involving higher education, museums, just to mention two examples. This includes some reference to the British Library's work on the international scene, which readers may be less familiar with. Some indication is given of the future direction of travel.
  
  
• An overview of the work of Resource, particularly relevant given their recent announcement concerning cross-sectoral working. This chapter starts with a fun vision of the future where an entire family is making use of library and museum services in much the same way as they might use their TV or Playstation today. The author gives an interesting overview of the strategic direction of Resource, in three priority areas: user focus, seamless services and format of delivery.