Resources
6 Components of a Grant Proposal
Most grant proposals can be broken down into the following sections: 1) Organization information. This can be up to one page in which you brag about your organization. Everyone has an idea of what a library is and does, but you cannot assume people know what happens in a library today. It is insufficient to…
Read More10 Tips to Plan for an Uncertain Future
The one thing that is certain in our future is change. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future, but here are 10 ways that your library or organization can more effectively deal with the change and uncertainty it faces: Create a Culture of Continual Improvement – Deal with future change by having your library always look…
Read MoreMarketing vs. Public Relations
Many people use the terms marketing and public relations interchangeably, assuming they mean the same thing. They do not, although they do have some important aspects in common. Both build a strong foundation for good feelings about your library, and both help attract supporters to your library. Both have the potential to change the way…
Read MoreA Rocking Case Statement for Successful Fundraising
A Case Statement is one of the most important documents necessary for effective fundraising. It is written specifically for private donors and describes your library’s purpose and vision in a compelling manner designed to attract donors to financially support your work. A well-written case statement is concise and compelling. While supported by statistics and driven by…
Read MoreWould You Date Your Library?
At Library Strategies we are fortunate to have visited hundreds of libraries. Whether it is a strategic planning project or training or a capital campaign, we’ve learned that like people, libraries create a strong first impression when encountered. A good question to ask is, if your library were a prospective partner, what would be your…
Read MoreTrends Shaping Today’s Libraries (Part 2)
(Read our Part 1 of our Library Trends Series!) 6) New Frontiers For Reference Interviews Reference interview (RI) services are a staple of library work – and a pillar of the institution’s value proposition. Studies show that for many patrons, satisfaction with the library as a whole is predicated on the perceived success of their…
Read MoreThe Power of Endowments
Every non-profit organization strives to create endowment funds as a part of their finance strategy. But why are they so important and how should newer organizations attempt to create them? Let’s start by defining an endowment, which can be described as a sum of money that is permanently invested in equities (stocks) and fixed income…
Read MoreWebinar Series: The Green to Dream
It’s a new year and with that come new resolutions! At Library Strategies we are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and expertise with libraries and library organizations across the world. We feel strongly that by connecting and engaging with others, we can both learn and share ideas that will allow libraries to continue to be…
Read MoreCapital Campaign in Your Future?
Are you anticipating a capital campaign to help fund a new building or renovation of your library? Before launching a campaign, there are several steps you should be taking now to prepare your organization and improve your potential for a successful campaign. Long before launching a capital campaign – and to strengthen your library’s future…
Read MoreTrends Shaping Today’s Libraries (Part 1)
Whether you are conducting strategic planning, embarking on a capital campaign, or on the hunt for a new library executive with credentials perfectly suited to the role, it is imperative to remember that these activities do not take place “in a vacuum.” On the contrary, success in any of the above requires a firm understanding…
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