Developing strategic partnerships for national development: a case of Botswana

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how libraries and information centres can play a key role in national development through strategic working partnerships with Government and other stakeholders. Methodology - The paper is based on literature Review and practical examples. Findings - The paper finds that Botswana Government has formulated Maitlamo policy for the development of public libraries and through this policy partnerships have been established by the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships (ACHAP) through the Sesigo Project, and another partnership has been between parastatal organizations such as Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) and Botswana National Library Services (BNLS). Originality - The paper suggests the potential areas of partnerships that include community development, youth development, music and sports, cultural activities and indigenous knowledge.