Network of networks: a project for enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Italian libraries and library networks

The paper - divided in two parts - describes a one year project during which a simple idea gradually took shape, and is now waiting to come true. Many professionals who work in the library field agree that nowadays the Italian library system is experiencing a state of discomfort. There's a lack of resources essential to manage the everyday activities - and perhaps if there were plentiful resources libraries wouldn't really know how to use them in order to improve their services. Assuming that cooperation is the right solution for enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of library services, a path was conceived to overcome this situation. This second part describes the services that the Network of networks may offer to Italian libraries, dwelling on three specific areas of interest: innovation, support and integration. For each area it specifies individual priorities and activation time, pointing out the more suitable management solutions for Italian public libraries - to which this project is specifically addressed.