Do library partnerships work and how can they help build a strong future for the library?

The Hive, Worcester is an integrated public and university library, the first of its kind in Europe, and is also host to the County Archive and Archaeology service and Customer Hub. Currently celebrating its seventh year of operation, many of the benefits of running a joint service between Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester remain evident: cost sharing, skill sharing, a vibrant and affordable event programme. However, since opening in 2012, there have been many profound and continuing changes in the operating environment and context of both partners. This chapter will look briefly at the joint library model, The Hive in particular and the benefits and challenges of the core partnership and how we go about delivering in partnership. It goes on to explore some of our reflections on and approaches to leadership in a partnership context.