The resources available in this library represent a thoughtful collection of the most useful information known to the WestCAN partnership on the principles and the mechanics of collaborative approaches to natural resource issues. Understanding that a wealth of information exists on collaborative topics, this library works to present the best known materials for its users while providing links and other information to allow further inquiries. Since most libraries consist of links to other sites which often lead the user into confusing or non-existent sites, all but the largest documents are posted here to ensure the user easy access.

The WestCAN Resource Library seeks to provide easily accessible information that is cataloged clearly and easily retrievable. All documents are provided in PDF format accessible through the use of Adobe® Reader® (available at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html ). In providing this information, we stipulate that the publication is presented as prepared by its author and publisher and we agree to respect the intellectual property rights that author has earned through his/her scholarship, and expect all users to honor these rights as well.

Browse: Hit "Browse" to access library by subject. Library is organized as follows.

1. Collaborative Resources
1. So You Want to Collaborate (Big Picture)
2. Structure for Success (Nuts and Bolts)
3. Program Design, Data Collection, and Assessment
4. Organizational Development for Nonprofit Organizations
5. Selling Your Vision
6. Partnerships
7. Sharing Your Experience and Talents

2. Learning from Those Who Have Gone Before
1. Case Studies, Profiles, and Guides
2. Best Practices

3. Tools, Publications, and Other Resources
1. Tools
2. Publications and Presentations

Master List: Scan resources alphabetically by hitting "Master List." Once you find a publication of interest, hit the LIB hot key at the end of each citation to be directed to the file.

Search: Search library by key words contained in the publication's full citation. If searching by state, use both postal abbreviation (e.g.: MT) and full state name (e.g.: Montana). If no publications are found, try additional search words.

After trailing hundreds of articles and other sought-after publications only to find the publication’s location has moved, the site has disappeared, or the address changed with no forwarding address;

After too many hours spent surfing the web looking for a particular piece of information, only to find dozens of potentially useful resources and no one to direct us to the most useful;

After hearing from partners with little time and patience speak of a continuing need for helpful resources about collaboration and collaborative conservation;

We assembled a library of field-vetted materials in one location while providing links and other information to allow further inquiries. By “field-vetted” we mean one or more practitioners have recommended the resource to us.

Help Us Make the Library Better

To keep the Resource Library as useful and current as possible, tell us what resources we are missing or what you found most useful. Send your suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fair Use of Copyrighted Material

Much as the material provided here is copyrighted. Copyright law grants the exclusive right to use, copy, distribute, and display a copyrighted work to the owner of the copyright. The WestCAN Resource Library sets forth the following guidelines for “Fair Use”:

1. When making copies, ensure provide credit and full citation remains with all copies.
2. When using for research or educational purposes, use short excerpts and provide proper credit to original work.
3. Do not use for any form of commercial venture or in a manner that circumvents the payment of royalties.
4. If in doubt, do not use the document, or contact the author/owner of the copyrighted material directly to obtain explicit permission for use.