Partnerships

The interviewees saw the seed libraries as beneficial to the academic library or university campus. Yet the sustainability of many seed libraries has always been in question due to a lack of resources, interest or seeds. Seed libraries are often run as informal programs, but this does not have to be the case. Exploring meaningful partnerships on-campus could be a way for seed libraries to secure their role and relevance within the institutions.

Existing partnerships

From the interviews, it appears that seed libraries are not a means to an end, but rather a small contributor to larger objectives. Seed libraries are working in parallel to, and not necessarily together with, other initiatives, despite often being created to support other programs on-campus. Although there are some exceptions, most seed libraries interviewed are not working with other programs within the institution to meet strategic goals and priorities. During the development of the seed libraries, the possibility of partnerships and collaboration was a factor and justification for the seed libraries, however once implemented, making linkages with partners seems to be a challenge. Respondents indicated that some connections are made, but partnerships are formed informally, such as through networking and events.

The informants gave the impression that relationships are being built with external partners, such as larger networks of seed libraries, rather than on-campus groups. The only long term and ongoing partnerships referenced by informants are farms or seed suppliers because donated seeds are often required for the continuation of the programs. The question of why seed libraries are not forming meaningful partnerships was not directly explored with informants. Based on other answers provided, it seems that some of the challenges with partnerships are linked to the fact that the seed libraries are located on an academic campus. On-campus groups and clubs made up of students have a high rate of turnover, so it could be difficult to maintain a working relationship if the partner’s priorities change when a new student cohort joins. Further, seeds on their own (i.e., without a plot of land, access to water and fertile soil) might not be useful to students or other groups on-campus.

Better together

Partnerships can be an asset to seed libraries, both in keeping them relevant on-campus, or by serving as support networks.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the University of British Columbia seed libraries shared they were part of a BC seed library organization that provided a lot of value. The province-wide network offered the opportunity to connect with other seed libraries to share resources, knowledge and support. The respondents saw the academic seed library as being able to provide a different kind of expertise to the organization because they could offer access to the university’s talent and knowledge pool. In return, support from a larger body was helpful to the universities because it provided a bigger picture vision of seed libraries through combined resources located across the province.

The University of British Columbia’s X̱wi7x̱wa library has prioritized collaboration as evidenced by the many partnerships and initiatives they have undertaken. The branch is doing a lot of interesting work because of the relationships it has been able to foster with a variety of groups both on and off campus, including farms, gardens and local First Nations. For example, the library is working with the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre to provide seeds for the Centre’s garden boxes. Through the seed library, the X̱wi7x̱wa library is connecting with Indigenous campus partners to build stronger relationships and is demonstrating new ways that academic libraries can be utilized.

The X̱wi7x̱wa library’s continued efforts to incorporate faculty research liaison work into the seed library could bring a lot of value to the program and will help the seed library to grow in a way that supports the campus community and beyond. Currently, to promote language revitalization, the seed library includes resources in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Musqueam language. Further, the library works with the Faculty of Land and Food Systems’ field school to provide the traditional names of plants to field technicians and students in exchange for seeds from other parts of British Columbia. Representatives from the branch also attend community events, like Musqueam Pride, to distribute seed packets. Due to the value of their seeds, off-campus partnerships would be meaningful and the X̱wi7x̱wa branch may be providing seeds that would be otherwise inaccessible to certain communities.

The University of Winnipeg program was founded on partnerships, and the organizers worked closely with seed keepers as partners, which helped to guide and frame the seed library. By connecting people who were intentionally saving seed with new seed savers, the library was able to create a community based on knowledge transfer and support. Per the interviewee, the seed savers were excited to share seeds and make connections that encouraged more seed saving. Offering inclusive and culturally relevant seed libraries takes time and intentionality, but there is a return on investment. These programs can foster meaningful partnerships and relationships that can improve how the seed library operates by working to reflect the on-campus and larger community. Partnerships can also support program objectives like education and creating a culture of sharing.