Library Partnerships in the Netherlands

Major changes in philosophy and organization of the Dutch educational system, coupled with the emergence of information technology, have strongly influenced the development of school libraries in the Netherlands. Public libraries and school libraries often work together to develop services and materials for schools, leading more recently to the establishment of joint services and facilities. This article provides an overview of developments in the last decade. Although experience demonstrates that there are advantages and disadvantages in the formation of school and public library partnerships, the specific role and requirements of school libraries needs to remain as the key focus in these partnerships.