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Library Strategies consultants and staff  gathered virtually to discuss what they are expecting of the library landscape in 2024 and forward. Topics of interest were funding streams, staff stress, “culture war” fallout, and automated/afterhours library services. Staff UncertaintyConsultants were honest that they are seeing a lot of burnout and uncertainty from library staff. They are…

A year-end note from our director Alayne Hopkins:Library Strategies saw a broad range of projects in 2023 and worked with several previous clients on new initiatives. Strategic Planning continued to be a strong area of need, and library support organizations sought guidance on how to best support their library partners. For 2024, we’re looking forward…

Library Strategies is excited to share our newest partnership with you! The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL), the state agency that supports libraries in Idaho, recently awarded more than $3.25 million in facilities improvement grants to 15 public libraries. This special funding stems from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. Building projects…

Hello everyone! I am the newest member of the Libraries Strategies staff and want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and talk about my role in the organization.  I grew up in Milwaukee and have lived in Madison, WI, Portland, OR, Duluth, MN, and now St Paul, MN with my goofy dog, Deena. Like…

This month we’re continuing our exploration of trustee boards with Lynda Reynolds, the Public Library Management Consultant at the State Library of North Carolina. In her position she develops resources for trustees, library directors, and Friends. She previously worked for 17 years as the director of the Stillwater Public Library in Oklahoma.   Library Strategies: Who,…

While each of our consultants brings their unique lens to projects, Library Strategies’ perspective is informed by some of the grounding principles practiced within our host organization: The Friends of The Saint Paul Public Library. I spoke to three wonderful humans on The Friends’ staff for their perspectives on building a Board of Directors. More…

As a writer of this blog, I have never been coy about my lack of understanding of the development side of Foundation work. Why, you might ask, am I the one writing about capital campaigns now? For one, because The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library are engaged in one. And second: because I…

Library Strategies believes it is important to listen to the wisdom of our colleagues in the community, as much as relying on the strengths of our own experiences when it comes to doing the work. In the fall of 2022, The Duluth Public Library Foundation worked on a new strategic plan with Library Strategies. During…

A vital part of the role of both Friends Groups and Foundations is fundraising and advocacy for their library. However, fundraising for the Foundation or Friends group can be just different enough that it requires its own mindset and its own set of skills and intentions. This is why Library Strategies offers a dynamic range…

Library Strategies’ IMLS-funded partnership with the Montana State Library is proceeding into Phase Three – conducting strategic planning processes for four to six libraries in the five participating states. This means it’s an excellent time to look back at the results we are beginning to see for our partner libraries. Framing the Future: First Phases…