CILIP, the UK’s library and information association with support from Arts Council England is commissioning a feasibility study for the establishment of a vital new service for Working Internationally for Libraries. This feasibility survey and options appraisal was a key recommendation of the first phase of the Working Internationally for Libraries project and will inform further development of project phase 2.

Working Internationally is a joint initiative led by CILIP in partnership with Arts Council England, Libraries Connected, British Library, British Council, Carnegie UK trust, CILIP International Libraries & Information Group and CILIP Public & Mobile Libraries Group.

The first phase of Working Internationally highlighted the tremendous energy and appetite among UK libraries for building creative collaborations with their counterparts across the globe. In the process, we have shown how libraries might feature more centrally in key agendas including soft power and cultural diplomacy.

The summative evaluation and discussions around the conclusion of Phase 1 of Working Internationally have highlighted significant potential opportunities in developing our work across the Four Nations of the UK and in building potential partnerships with Government departments, agencies and embassies.

For this reason, we are commissioning a comprehensive Feasibility Study and Options Appraisal, with a specific focus on addressing risks, quantifying the opportunities and developing an evidence-based Roadmap for potential implementation. We anticipate that the Options Appraisal would include recommendations for the optimal future governance model for our proposed service/CIC to maximise participation, impact and sustainability.

CILIP is now welcoming tenders from suitably qualified and experienced individuals, institutions and organisations with a proven record of feasibility survey and options appraisal, or similar, and the creation of usable business intelligence for sectors.

More information on the project and how to apply can be found here in the Invitation to Tender. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 10 March 2022.