An evaluation of the IFLA Sister Libraries programme - development, challenges and progress in the first two years of an international network

The Sister Libraries programme is an initiative of the IFLA Libraries for Children and Young Adults section. Launched in 2009, it enables children’s librarians in any country to find a sister library somewhere else in the world and build a collaborative partnership based on the exchange of views and the development of joint programmes. This paper describes the development and progress of the first two years of this international network and reports on the evaluation of the programme using the concept of a ‘community of practice’. In evaluating the Sister Libraries programme a longitudinal view is taken of capacity building and professional generosity as a ‘community of practice’ develops.