PLIN is a new library network, founded in 2004.

PLIN was founded by a group of former members of the International Network of Public Libraries (INPL), the highly successful network, which from 1996 onwards was generously supported by the Germany-based Bertelsmann Foundation.

We believed that the unique working method and the results of the INPL – a few highly motivated public library professionals working together internationally and thus enabling quick dissemination of new knowledge through practical research reports - simply was too valuable for public library development worldwide to just let go. The Bertelsmann Foundation has supported us in this transition process.

This website has been launched in late December 2004 and will be used to promote the existing reports and  market the PLIN using library conferences and venues as platforms for this process.

At a later stage we will hopefully be able to find sustainable financing for regular report writing and involvement of new members in this process.

If you want to help us in this work, please contact
our Executive Director , Ms. June Garcia,

Ms. June Garcia
1195 South Harrison Street
Denver, Colorado 80210
United States

Email: jgarcia@dubberlygarcia.com

Sometime in 2005, we will be able to invite new members to join the network.

More background information
The development of innovative solutions by practitioners for practitioners - that was the mission of the International Network of Public Libraries established in 1996 as an initiative of the Bertelsmann Foundation and that will be the mission of PLIN.

 The members pool international know-how, develop model concepts for the management of public libraries and subsequently test them in practice. The principles of success are the »look across the garden fence« and the rapid and intensive exchange of experience.

Public libraries are confronted with similar challenges all over the world: Patrons expect attractive offerings and information services for education and training, leisure and entertainment; local politicians and treasurers demand an efficient organization as well as a high level of economy; the employees want creative freedom and room for self-realization at the place of work. Demand for new digital media, complex copyright issues and fast-changing patron demands make the situation even more challenging.

A completely new form of library work is possible. However, problems to be solved are both very complex restructuring processes, technical problems and the need for comprehensive skill improvement. Public libraries must therefore reconsider their mission and their objectives in order to respond quickly and as economically as possible to these new conditions.

If the public library sees itself as a competent service provider it will have to adjust its service offering, its mode of work and also it’s funding to new requirements again and again. This means that those who have responsibility in the libraries will have to develop innovative, rapid and effective ways of learning new things.

In countries with efficient public libraries there is research work going on in many institutions on future-oriented solutions to individual issues of modern library management. An intensive exchange of expert opinions within an international framework and especially the utilisation of diverse practical experience may provide all partners with valuable, additional impetus.

The objectives of the Network are to pool international know-how, to strengthen the exchange of experience among public library experts, to develop successful concepts and above all, to promote their practical implementation.