In 1998, the Houston Public Library launched a new library card campaign. Through extensive outreach, community partnerships, and the support of a major corporation, the program nearly doubled the number of children with cards in one fiscal year and increased juvenile circulation by more than 20%. The program led to an increase in library funding,…

Contributors of four articles comment on the importance and benefits of effective partnerships between libraries and private business, and describe their experiences in developing cooperative programs. They also identify characteristics of successful partnerships. (AEF)