Hands-on clinical experience is a cornerstone of medical education. Residents spend much of their training in hospitals and clinics, while medical students look forward to clerkship for their supervised, practice-based learning. As Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) School of Medicine (SoM) prepared to open, building relationships with the local healthcare institutions was essential. Among these, the collaboration between the Bikram S. Dhillon and Family Medical Library and the William Osler Health System Library has become central to supporting learners across academic and clinical contexts.

As our healthcare and academic landscapes prepared to welcome learners, it was important for our health libraries to foster meaningful collaborations that enhance evidence-based practice, research, and education. Fostering a connection between our two library systems allowed us to leverage the skills and services at both institutions to support the new medical school. Together, we are able to explore and co-develop initiatives such as shared education programs, referral processes, subject-guide content, and collaborative support services that benefit students, clinicians, and researchers alike.

This presentation explores how partnerships between academic and clinical libraries can bridge institutional silos, foster knowledge exchange, and support the continuum of learning and care. Participants will gain insights into building sustainable partnerships that leverage the strengths of both academic and clinical settings. Emphasis will be placed on communication, mutual goals, and the importance of cultivating trust and shared leadership. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify strategies for initiating and sustaining library partnerships across academic and clinical contexts.