It's no surprise that libraries in "LJ"'s annual budget survey reported an overall downward trend, with the expected decline in total budgets some 2.6% and the change in materials budgets 3.5%. Per capita funding is nudging down after years of steady if sometimes modest increases, with a projected decline of 1.6% in FY10. After all, the country…

This book is for community leaders, librarians, library committees, volunteers, aid workers and others who are interested in the practical aspect of starting and maintaining a successful library. Throughout the developing world, countless dedicated people respond to the pressing need for information in their communities by helping to start a…

In the context of faster growth of community information needs and demands than growth of public funds, questions about where new resources can be found are the subject of much discussion within the library profession. This report is an attempt to raise questions and clarify issues that should be considered in advance of the formulation of library…

Discusses how library administrators can use prospect and donor research for successful fund raising and institutional development. The techniques described include new technologies such as online services and CD-ROM products, creative donor group identification, use of zip codes, directories, and donor clubs. (EAM)

Offers strategies for increasing library budgets, based on the pragmatic realities of funding decisions. Strategies discussed include: associating library needs with a more influential constituency; allowing service to deteriorate to intolerable levels; using influential patrons as spokesmen for the library; and appealing to funders' priorities…

Reviews the growth and development of library fund raising within the context of library history and the development of contemporary philanthropy. Topics addressed include changing environments and the need for additional resources; the role of fund raising in a library's mission; effective leadership; and public relations. (Contains 40…

The United States is home to about 1.3 million organizations that fall under the IRS's 501(c)(3) classification of "[tax]-exempt organizations," known informally as nonprofits. A nonprofit is defined as a formally incorporated nongovernmental organization that operates in the public interest, rather than in order to make a profit. Its income, in…

Topics of interest to the library manager in locating potential library support, soliciting support, and managing "friends" and volunteers are covered in the 12 papers presented at the 1979 Allerton Park Institute of the University of Illinois. The papers begin with an assessment of the library context for private financial support,…

This paper describes a unique library fund raiser at California State University (Northridge). "A Trial for the Books" was a dog agility trial held on April 26-27, 1996 as a benefit for the university's Oviatt Library. The event was hosted by West Valley DogSports, a community group. The event raised approximately $2,500 for the…

Libraries facing diminishing budgets and increasing demand for services must explore all funding sources, especially the more than $6 billion available in annual foundation and corporate giving. The easier and greater access to information on prospective givers provided simplifies this task. It profiles 1,471 library grant givers, compiled from…

This manual for librarians offers both background information and practical advice on library budgeting. Seven chapters make up this book: (1) Numbers, Your Library, and You; (2) Kinds of Budgets; (3) Measuring Ourselves; (4) Alternate Resources: Grants and Endowments; (5) More Alternate Resources: Volunteers, Fund Raising; (6) Fees for Library…

Computer technology and data banks are making manual storage systems outdated; yet it is difficult for libraries to obtain funding for automated retrieval equipment. Five suggestions to meet funding needs are offered. The effect on publishers of the projected decrease in book use is also noted. (SW)

Describes a national survey of library development and fund-raising practices in community colleges. While 55 percent of the responding colleges had no library development programs, several libraries carried out their own fund-raising, and college foundations raised funds on behalf of the library at other schools. Describes several library…

Proposes targeting individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations and trusts as a means of supplementing library fund-raising campaigns. The basics of establishing and maintaining a private funds foundation are addressed, including goal setting, personnel required, and nurturing the library's relationship with the community. A sidebar by…

In this article, the author describes how the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) struggled with a fraction of its former staff, limited hours, and a massive fundraising challenge after Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. While previously 171 people staffed locations, only 40 employees plus a smaller--and shifting--cadre of…