Inspired Collaboration: Ideas for Discovering and Applying Your Potential

by Dorothy Stoltz

A book that will inspire effective communication and accountability within your organization and among community allies.

200 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2016

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally I put this on my to-read list due to enjoying one of Stoltz other publications- The Power of Play. While Play read as a children's librarian in her element, this text read as a children's librarian trying to prove her place in the field. (For the record, children's librarians are awesome- I credit my hometown kidlit adult with introducing me to the field, and you can work with the tiny kiddos and that scares the crap out of me.)

Read the intro and first couple chapters and had to stop... I couldn't find the rhythm/ tone, and much of it read as forced (as in trying to hard to make a point). This book was a great idea, but I was not feeling the execution. May revisit try again later.

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book basically boils down to look outside of your library for people and places to collaborate with. It does have some examples of how different institutions have collaborated together to achieve some rather nice programs. Take inspiration and know that one day, maybe, you too, baby librarian can do something great.

[Lauren Kozilski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good news is, my library is already doing a lot of the things the authors recommend. The even better news is, there is still a lot left to be learned.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewing for Information Today, September 2016

[Barbara Band]

The aim of this book is to encourage those participating in collaborative ideas and initiatives to look at their external relationships with a view to increased co-operation and communication. It recognises that collaboration can sometimes be difficult with parties having different goals and agendas so seeks to minimise any conflicting interests.

Inspired Collaboration is divided into four sections. Part one considers why we should collaborate by looking closely at the librarian’s role in initiatives, and giving tips on working together with the community and other organisations. Section two reflects on the trials of collaboration, such as red tape, and the importance of planning. Part three explores new ways to plan and engage with others, addressing goal setting, identifying both good and bad strategies, and their practical implementation. Finally section four considers engagement as the heart of collaboration; meeting challenges, using opportunities to spark curiosity and engendering a “learning to think” environment. The fourth section is the largest part of the book as it also advocates using your strengths to create stronger community links, turning adversity into inspiration and the importance of celebrating success.

The book is US-focused and looks largely at projects that deal with early childhood initiatives although the methods and strategies can be applied to all age groups. The text is broken up with information boxes, bullet points, and real-life situations and examples. The appendices include worksheets, planning tools, and suggested reading. Perhaps one of the most useful aspects is the set of questions at the end of each article that guide the reader into thinking about the potential within their own situation and whether it could be exploited.