Georgia's experience with library-embassy collaborations in international brief

Collaborations between Georgian-based library spaces and foreign embassies in the country have been cited as successful examples for libraries to engage with diplomatic representations in a new brief of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

The IFLA is a leading international body covering libraries and information profession, with the federation's recent report outlining partnership opportunities for the venues to create new spaces and promote exchanges.

Looking at examples in countries from Georgia to Madagascar to Chile, the brief details how embassies of countries including Japan, the United States and China have fruitfully teamed up with venues such as the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia.

The Parliamentary Library in Tbilisi. Photo via National Parliamentary Library of Georgia.

The German and French embassies in Georgia have proved ready to work with the National Parliamentary Library to open dedicated sections which are then open to the public."

Others have been willing to provide support for exhibitions or contribute books, notably Japan, Turkey and China in the case of Georgia" - IFLA

Opening Georgian literary spaces in libraries across the world and engagement opportunities with Georgian authors via diplomatic networks are also named in the report as examples of benefits of such inter-institution projects.

The IFLA brief concludes by outlining six lessons, from readiness to reach out to benefiting from existing examples of collaboration, as its advice to institutions.

Established in Edinburgh in 1927, the global federation now encompasses over 1,500 members in 150 countries. The organisation is headquartered at the Royal Library in The Hague.