New Customers through New Partnerships - experience in Scotland and elsewhere

Abstract

The National Library of Scotland (NLS) has developed a new mission and vision to support a new strategy entitled ‘Breaking Through the Walls’. Collections and access were highlighted as areas of strategic importance. As part of this strategy, NLS has worked to defi ne its customers and their requirements particularly through a programme of market research. With projects such as the Digital NLS, the Library is creating different access routes for people who might not use its resources otherwise. To further widen access NLS has nurtured partnerships with various organizations which are providing new ways for new customers to use the Library. This helps the Library engage with underrepresented groups and minorities and help them to learn from, and gain access to and enjoy the wealth of information in the collection. Gives examples of other national libraries who have successfully broadened access to their collections and engaged in partnerships.