1. The value of multi-stakeholder partnershipsPublic Libraries Network – Medellín, Colombia PLM Helsinki, Finland April 12 – 16, 2010

2. BackgroundInformation

3. BackgroundInformation The Network is a program managed by EPM Foundation – ATLA 2009 Recipient Initiated in 2006 (public – private partnership) Other partners joined later 34 Libraries located in the 10 municipalities of the metropolitan area 22 in Medellín 12 in the surrounding municipalities

4. Partnerships We believe in …. Multi-Stakeholder partnerships Each type of organization has something to share and learn: Public Private Academic NGO / Social

5. Governance Day-to-day project operations - Fundación EPM Operational committee and team Strategic Committee with representatives of all partners “Thinking” Committee – for the ATLA Award

6. Examples

7. PrivatePartners Fundación EPM Manages the project and the relationship with all partners. Microsoft: Software and training programs IBM English software

8. PublicPartners EPM (EmpresasPúblicas de Medellín) Financial resources. Support in project implementation (broadband internet access). Support culture and ICT projects. BPP (Biblioteca Publica Piloto) KNOWLEDGE. Central node of the network. Digital Medellín Hosts the portal – www.reddebibliotecas.org.co

9. PublicPartners Area Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá Financial resources. Precedes the Strategic Committee. Mayorship of Medellín Leads the city’s transformation not only in culture but in education, builds Library Parks, supports libraries in the city. UNE – Telecommunications Financial resources

10. Academia Partners Various universities such as EIA Escuela de Ingeniería de Antioquia, ITM and Tecnológico de Antioquia Train librarians and users Students serving social hours or internships Universidad EAFIT Impact assessment Universidad de Antioquia Heritage Project

11. NGO / Social Partners “Cajas de Compensación Familiar” – Comfama and Comfenalco Contents, methodologies, management of Library Parks Makaia ICT training for users using computers and internet access in the libraries. Support from ICT Ministry.

12. Lessons

13. Benefits More stability Long term vision Leverage other support - in cash or in-kind. It´s all about sharing: Risks…but also Benefit Impact in public policies

14. Critical Success Factors Partners are empowered Partners see the benefit, a way to achieve important social goals. Governance instances serve as meeting and collaboration opportunity for all the partners. Multi-stakeholder partnerships

15. Challenges To ensure the financial sustainability of the project … with the partners To “mediate” different interests To have a more strategic approach to partnerships – getting there…

16. Thankyou!!! Catalina Escobar