OCLC Systems & Services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the TIDES (Teaching, Images and Digital Experiences) Program, and demonstrate how TIDES has created mutually beneficial partnerships through sharing resource and collaborating on digital initiatives with a variety of institutions in both Texas and Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach – In order to bridge the digital and cultural divide in East Texas classrooms, TIDES has formed partnerships with institutions and educators from Mexico. By offering media rich resources, adapting current curriculum for today's digital environment, and fostering international partnerships, TIDES has built a model for an education program that promotes local and global understanding.

Findings – Bringing together teachers from Mexico and Texas has resulted in a better understanding of each culture, which has translated to the classroom. These connections have been further supported by TIDES virtual expeditions, art projects, and primary source documents.

Practical implications – Over time, TIDES has grown from a small, regional project to a university supported and sustained program. TIDES has pursued new ways the university library can contribute to the university community by forging partnerships in unexpected places. TIDES also offers unique opportunities for educators to travel on teacher expeditions, experiencing firsthand the cultures they are trying to relate to and teach about.

Originality/value – This paper demonstrates unique ways that libraries and library staff can reach across the aisle to other departments and institutions, working together to increase access to and visibility of their services. The TIDES Program can be used as a model in other communities, as well as a starting point for other collaborative projects.