Happy Together

An overview of electronic information resources sharing initiatives in Kenyan universities 
by Munge, Evans M.
April 1, 2007
South African Journal of Libraries & Information Science
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=87060ded-61f4-412d-ab47-d0f320d63dc6%40sessionmgr4&vid=1&hid=11

“Share your

knowledge. It is

a way to

achieve 

immortality.” 

― Dalai Lama

 XIV

You cannot share what you do not have, that is the rule not only applied by those who collaborates but a universal rule in imparting something to someone. When you successfully shares, it alleviates each ones burden creating a more delighted community. But nothing is always easy at first. This article includes the experiences of different libraries in resource sharing. Imparting their knowledge based on first hand encounters. They suggested guidelines and policies in resource sharing. The focus of their resource sharing is electronic based. If you are planning to create on this article will help you and if you just want to have an idea of what entail resource sharing, stories in the article are very informative.

Learnings

• Know the talk. We deal with people. People who, as described by Dale Carnegie, are very emotional being. When we communicate we must reach the feeling of helping each other but still  not losing sight and moving towards the started vision.
• Stay on your grounds. Sharing is good but it will be beneficial for your library if you know where you stand. Knowing what you can offer and up until what limit. 
• We are a community. It has been said, 'United we stand, divided we fall.' It is good to know what the power of helping each other can do - surpassing struggles and reaching things beyond the goals of one man. 

Implications

Once again a call of duty beyond the desk. Another skill required from us which is called - interpersonal skills. In here we deal with other professionals who have the same concerns as us and hopes to help each other. I have a good vision with resource sharing, for me sharing is vital for survival in times of change especially for human beings. We are supposed to be there for one another before the domino effect might befall, paralyzing us. But the challenge will always be there. What playable language will the other parties are willing to take part of? To what extent should we reach to help and yet still not lose our own identity as an institution or unit. That's why I concluded that librarians must not only have the ability or organize the flow of information but also has business skills who can make sound decisions for the users of their services.

Reference

Munge, E. (2007). An overview of electronic information resources sharing initiatives in Kenyan universities. South African Journal of Libraries & Information Science. 73(1). 64-74. Retreived from: http://web.ebscohost.com