Sister library cooperation: Inspiring cross-cultural capability for librarians

Abstract

The study examined the perceptions of team members of a sister library initiative between Nimbe Adedipe Library, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and the Valley Library, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA. An online survey and focus group discussion were used as data collecting instruments. All of the 26 members of the team were sent an email to respond to an online questionnaire; only 16 members responded representing a 61.5% response rate, while 20 members participated in the focus group discussions. The finding revealed that members had positive perceptions towards the relationship. They were enthusiastic in learning about each other’s culture; thereby inspiring cross-cultural capabilities in knowledge and information handling. Although members on both sides of the relationship had great concerns about the technology gap between the libraries, the study revealed that they were willing and looking forward to assisting one another.