Week 14 Readings

Stephanie Pike

4/9/12

Public Library Management

Readings Week 14

We Would If We Could, But It Is Not In The Budget: Success Stories In Third Party Funding For Public Library Programs by Jack Goodman

The article discusses the achievements various libraries have had across Australia in forming partnerships with outside establishments. The article proceeds to then outline a methodology a library can approach in best meeting those needs.

While reading the article, I felt that there were some very good pieces of advice when approaching partnerships. I think the important thing mentioned is not only considering the partnerships with the other institution, but also the within the library itself. The staff has to be reliant on one another to form a cohesive unit to even progress to the other steps and become somewhat or entirely successful. The step by step guide, one would consider to be intuitive, does have some excellent ideas of how to formulate and further partnerships Though, I have to wonder if in a way it may be a little too easy in how he has outlined the steps.

Key Donor Cultivation: Building for the Future by Thomas Wilburn Lionhardt

The article present effective approaches and information about how to fundraise. The article breaks down Wedgeworths list of how to fundraise in an effective way. However, the author stresses that prior to even beginning to fundraise, one must know what they want to achieve so that you have an idea of how you will achieve your goal.

Although the article is oriented towards academic libraries, I think there are a few ideas that could be implemented effectively within the public library setting. The discussion about gifts and memorial book funds was especially interesting. I think gifts are especially hard to navigate because one doesn’t know if the gift will be overly beneficial to the library. However, I do think that should a gift be given and accepted, the encouragement of use and raising awareness to the collection are excellent beginnings in increasing circulation. Also, the way to form a successful memoriam for people through books seems nice allows people to donate to the library without having to give a large sum of money. Therefore, allowing the library to recognize the donation in a subtle, but appreciative manner that everyone feels they have won in some way.

Working with Friends Groups: Enhancing Participation Through Cultivation and Planning by Sara S. Lowman and Mary D. Bixby

The article discusses the approach to fundraising, programs, and outreach to assist the library during the economic recession. The focus of the article is placed on the activities and methods used by the Friends of Fondren Library at Rice University.

I felt the most interesting outreach method used by the library was the focus trips overseas to the English Isles. The ability to view rare manuscripts and texts would be an amazing opportunity. Although, it would be difficult to have a public library do something at such a scale, something similar could be done. For example, going to the Library of Congress or Smithsonian Institute to view works dating back to the beginning of the nation’s founding would be a great opportunity for the Friends of the Library to pursue. The concept of being able to go to a different place and influence the library through communication and the forming of relationships outside of the library would be beneficial.