Nylink Partnerships

Nylink has a long history of partnering with other organizations for the benefit of its members. Such partnerships have included vendors, library-initiated ventures with members, and regional or group organizations. As partnerships become more complex and with more at stake, it is good to understand what each party brings to the table.

We here at Nylink have been thinking a lot about this lately and offer two items for your consideration: a) what we as an organization have to offer in such partnerships, and b) what constitutes a healthy partnership in the eyes of an expert in the field (Jordan Lewis, who has authored several books and articles on the topic and consults internationally in the area of "trusted partnerships"). Please contact our Executive Director, David Penniman; your thoughts on partnerships—especially with Nylink—are welcome. Email or call 518-443-5444.

What Nylink Brings to a Partnership

  • Provides our partner with the opportunity to put a product or service out in front of a wide and varied audience, providing marketing support using partner materials as well as in-house brochures and electronic media
  • Responds quickly to partner initiatives and business interactions
  • Shares information with partner in a timely manner, giving them the opportunity for feedback
  • Offers thoughtful, consultative sales and marketing support from our experienced staff, and expert support from our team of librarians
  • Works with partner to develop processes for doing business together that are efficient for both partners.
  • Acknowledges and respects the expertise of our partner and uses their time productively
  • Acknowledges, values and promotes the role partner plays
  • Shares knowledge of and feedback from the "front lines"
  • Provides single point of billing and payment upon receipt of invoice
  • Supports our partner when members have questions about changes in policy, etc., and advocates on their behalf
  • Acknowledges that our partner makes decisions based on the best interest of our member libraries
  • Provides continuity and reputation as a long-term, viable local organization

Trusted Partnerships

Adapted from work by noted international consultant on trusted partnerships, Jordan Lewis, Partnerships for Profit pp.251 - 252

Fundamentals

Clearly need each other and are willing to make compromises to reach mutual objectives, versus our interests not being well aligned, or one is more exposed than the other

Working to improve our relationship separate from other matters, versus our mutual relationship depends on substantive gains

Problem Solving

Becoming easier to raise issues and resolve our differences, versus key issues not being raised by either partner

Conflicts are normal part of our relationship and get resolved by discussion, versus conflict resolution is by acquiescence, coercion, or reference to rights

Understanding

Have a growing awareness of each other's interests, abilities and priorities versus do not appreciate each other's needs and skills

Communications

Have extensive formal and informal discussions versus communication is limited, infrequent and formal

Issues are raised early versus problems tend to get worse before being discussed

Consult before making key decisions in a consistent manner versus being surprised by decisions of partner

Trust

Always rely on each other when it counts versus it being risky to rely on partner

Acceptance

Actions say partners are important to one another versus treating each other less than equally

Actively work on each other's needs versus relationship has caused significant frustration

Becoming adapted to each other's culture versus continuing to be uneasy with each others style

Real friendships have grown versus feeling like strangers to each other

Outlook

Exploring new opportunities together versus scope is same or has narrowed since partnership began