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Given Australia's wealth, public libraries across all of its states and territories are woefully underfunded on a per capita basis. While improvements to ongoing government funding may take many years of concerted lobbying, library managers and local councils need to be aware of substantial funding opportunities that exist through innovative partnerships in their own localities. Universities, local employers, professional sport teams and associations and registered clubs are just some of the organisations that are proven partners for public libraries seeking to expand and improve their services. This paper provides a step by step guide for library managers and local councillors who are keen to explore their entrepreneurial sides and seek appropriate, viable, longterm financial partnerships to deliver improved community outcomes. It also provides case studies of successful funding partnerships to demonstrate the viability of such strategies. Edited version of a paper given at the September 2008 biennial conference of the Australian Library and Information Association held in Alice Springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries help build social capital in their communities by various means. This paper reviews practical ways public libraries can work with children and their families to provide better learning outcomes, and promote literacy and numeracy skills in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Examples of community partnerships from public libraries across Australia are used as discussion points. The issue of funding is also considered in the light of experiences in North America and the UK. Demonstrated are specific library programs which encourage building on the strengths of the community and working in partnership with a wide range of government, business and not for profit organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]