부산대학교 도서관

This paper discusses the experiences of the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) Twinning Project, an international twinning database developed and maintained by the IFLA Programme for Universal Availability of Publications, which acts as a kind of "dating agency" aiming to match partner libraries as closely as possible, based on the benefits they are seeking from the partnership and the benefits they can offer to the partner. The first section provides background on the project, including areas covered by the questionnaire used to collect information from participating libraries, obstacles in identifying suitable matches, and difficulties experienced by the libraries pursuing twinning arrangements. The second section summarizes recent initiatives, including reorganization of the database, promotional leaflets, use of IFLANET to advertise libraries, participation in the ALA (American Library Association) conference, a proposed article for "American Libraries," and cooperation with the Sister Libraries project. The third section describes: routine database maintenance and procedures followed for each of the library questionnaires received; feedback from participating libraries; and alternative ways for libraries to fulfill their objectives, e.g., exchange of ideas of library practice, interlibrary loans, exchange of catalog records, increasing cultural awareness, donation of library materials, and exchange of staff. (MES)