Two heads are better than one: A case of the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Library

This paper seeks to highlight sustainable ways of developing synergies and partnerships outside the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Library (CHSL) that will assist in developing solutions in health information provision in Zimbabwe. The paper is going to examine the importance of partnerships and synergies in the development of medical libraries particularly the CHS Library. The study is going to be a case study that will highlight the historical relationships between the CHS Library partners, the current collaboration, the partnership match, accomplishments, challenges and solutions. A brief review of the literature regarding elements of successful alliances and partnerships and a case study of the University of Zimbabwe CHS Library will be described. From the study, the paper will discuss lessons learnt and the future standpoint for the CHS Library partnerships. It is hoped that, the results from the study will help to build a critical mass of advocates who will lobby for funding and support for the development of medical libraries in Zimbabwe and other developing nations. With a diverse set of contributions from state, local, educational, and governmental libraries that actively pursue community involvement in a myriad of ways and through varying levels of interaction; the CHS Library will be guided accordingly by the results of the study and this will help in reviewing its commitment towards health information provision.The results from the study will help in the development of an incomparable health information system in the country that ultimately assists in improving healthcare outcomes.