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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundraising activities carried out by two libraries at the University of Bologna (Italy), which could be adopted by other libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses the approach adopted and gives examples. Findings - The crisis can be an opportunity to identify weaknesses and strengths and then to study the market and find economic support, but also to improve services in order to meet different needs. Originality/value - The originality of the paper relies on the interpretation of the crisis as a challenge to build a network of library supporters and new interests in library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for communicating library needs and opportunities to prospective donors. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of outreach communications that can inspire support. Findings - The paper proposes that fundraising opportunities can be communicated and enhanced through a variety of methods. Originality/value - The value of the paper is in its suggestions for promoting the library's needs and opportunities through external communication means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for sustaining effective marketing and fundraising in challenging economic times. Design/methodology/approach - This paper discusses and gives examples of marketing and promotion strategies to sustain fundraising. Findings - This paper proposes that, in an economic downturn, donors and stakeholders will respond to positive messages rather than tales of woe. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its suggestions for telling the library's story in ways that encourage financial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide a tribute to the life and work of library fund-raiser Gwen Leighty. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses personal knowledge and references to Academic Libraries Advancement and Development Network (ALADN) and LIBDEV web sites. Findings - The paper finds that fundraising is connecting with people and the journey that each development officer must make while raising funds for their library. Originality/value - The paper presents a brief history of ALADN and the valuable contribution one person made to the cause of library fund-raising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this essay is to provide suggestions for raising money for collections. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of strategies to raise awareness of giving opportunities to support library collections. Findings - This paper suggests that traditional fundraising for collections has become more difficult, and innovative appeals are required to attract donors. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its presentation of examples and strategies for raising funds to support collection building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to consider several methods for establishing and growing a pool of potential library donors. Who gives to libraries and where are they? All types of libraries can benefit from private giving; the initial challenge in building a philanthropic base is identifying prospective donors. Design/methodology/approach - Considers the donor development strategies employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries, noting those most effective. Findings - A range of initiatives can help establish and build a donor base, such as robust programming, expanded partnerships, annual fund efforts, friends groups, and a mix of technologies. Originality/value - This paper fulfills an identified information/resource need and offers practical suggestions to library administrators for building a donor base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to examine the fundraising strategy known as crowdfunding because it applies to galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) and to share a crowdfunding case study experience.Design/methodology/approach A rich literature review provides the basis for understanding the central issues related to crowdfunding. Survey data provides information about the perception and experiences of other GLAM organizations with crowdfunding, and a case study shares an experience with the fundraising method.Findings Some GLAM organizations are attempting crowdfunding projects with varied levels of success, whereas others remain unsure but curious. The case study shares one academic library’s direct experience with crowdfunding.Research limitations/implications There is little research currently available related to library use of crowdfunding.Practical implications This paper provides a resource and research starting point for GLAM organizations interested in the crowdfunding model.Originality/value In a comprehensive manner, this article provides much needed research on the current state of crowdfunding as it pertains to GLAM organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose With the retirement of the External Relations Director in early 2014, the Marriott Library’s new Dean used this opportunity to move library fundraising in a new direction. This paper aims to examine one approach to institutionalizing philanthropy to increase its effectiveness and creates a plan for implementation.Design/methodology/approach Changing the position expectations and hiring a new Development Director to lead the change has proven beneficial to the library staff and donors. The new Development Director and Dean are changing the culture of development at the Marriott Library by not only working closely with library faculty and staff but also through making them partners in all aspects of development work.Findings Although the new program has only been in place for a little more than a year, positive outcomes are already emerging. These include a more engaged staff, better served donors and an increase in donations to the library including, a multi-million dollar gift for a major renovation as well as a US$3.5 m gift of rare materials.Originality/value While there has been a lot of research on development, little of it focuses specifically on the assets and challenges libraries face within the context of large universities. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of library fundraising and offers a model of how libraries can leverage their staff and central role within the university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to explore the concept of providing education and guidance to library staff for the purpose of supporting philanthropic activities made on behalf of the library. The need for this type of activity and basic principles of philanthropy are included.Design/methodology/approach This paper includes a through literature review and a case study narrative with examples on activities at the author’s home institution.Findings The literature supports that cultivating a broader, more detailed understanding of philanthropic activities within the organization, will improve fundraising results and individual satisfaction for giving and receiving.Practical implications The concepts discussed have beginnings in other institutions and recognize a trend of adapting business models to libraries’ needs.Originality/value The is the author’s own work, shared with members of the author’s organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Libraries’ experience and success in the creation of a fundraising Communications Plan. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on observational experiences at EKU Libraries over the course of two years, before and after the implementation of a Communications Plan. Findings – Feedback from Friends of EKU Libraries advised that donors appreciate communications from EKU Libraries, especially on a monthly basis. As a result of implementing a Communications Plan, donations to EKU Libraries became more consistent throughout the year and increased in number. Practical implications – EKU Libraries found that a meaningful Communications Plan can help strengthen the connection between an organization and its donors. As a result, the Plan will be refined annually and utilized for the foreseeable future. Originality/value – This paper provides guidance for libraries and other organizations on the creation and implementation of a fundraising Communications Plan, based on the experience of EKU Libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share successful strategies to enable mid-level management academic librarians and archivists to raise major gifts from individual donors. Design/methodology/approach – The paper demonstrates the growing need for fundraising in university libraries and shows how participating in fundraising activities is an increasing expectation of librarians. Case studies are provided of successful fundraising by librarians and archivists, including their work with donors and collaboration with development professionals. The paper concludes with suggestions for maintaining donor relations. Findings – Fundraising is increasing rapidly as an expected activity of librarians but is a slowly growing part of their education. More literature is also needed on the topic. Successful fundraising is dependent on clear definition of fundraising goals, effective communicational and other interpersonal skills, continuing donor follow up and regular collaboration with development staff. Originality/value – Librarians and archivists can apply to their own fundraising needs the experiences narrated in the case studies of two successful major fundraising efforts, utilizing a team-based approach to raising major gifts from individual donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advocate for the importance of staff support for library development activities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses basic fund raising principles and how staff can contribute. Findings – This article includes a success example. Originality/value – The article is based on experiences of the author and persons mentioned to produce a successful fund raising campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a performance-based allocation model for university libraries in India. Design/methodology/approach - Using economic models with weighted values, a system of allocating funds to university library departments is illustrated. Findings - The paper finds that many university libraries in India struggle to continue their existing operations and services due to financial problems. Careful budgeting and most appropriate use of financial resources is essential to solve the existing financial problems. Originality/value - The model takes into account efficiency and equity considerations, which can assist the library in allocating its budget in a transparent and fair manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The key to a successful library development and fundraising program is a synergistic relationship between development professionals and librarians. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this relationship. Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on the partnership in achieving the library mission and its fundraising goals. Findings - The study finds that raising funds for any academic library requires commitment and leadership of the library dean and the development officer. With library faculty and staff members' input, the library development team must work together in writing a compelling case statement that has high dramatic and emotional impact on the mission of the library and the institution. Originality/value - The paper identifies three key elements that library faculty and staff can provide to support any successful library development program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non-traditional methods of providing funding for them. Design/methodology/approach - The paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades. Findings - The paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them. Originality/value - As a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income-generating activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the question of how librarians can win financial resources from their parent organisations. It maintains that securing funding is essential at a time of change and goes on to advocate practical techniques for improving the acquisition and management of financial resources. The paper examines the financial environment of many libraries, covering financial cuts, organisational changes, contracting out, service level agreements and income generation. The importance of the integration of libraries and information units within their parent bodies is considered. The paper stresses the importance of political skills in winning resources and explores what this means in practice for public, academic and special librarians. Finally, the paper looks at some aspects of austerity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to examine publication patterns of scholarly literature related to academic libraries and development (i.e. funding), including publication trends over a five-year period, core journals and authorship, so that library directors and library development officers will have a basic collection of relevant resources. Design/methodology/approach -- The methodology consisted of journal article searches in three databases relating to the field of library information science with 2006-2010 as the date limiter. The primary search terms came from the topic of this study and were joined to secondary-level search terms by using the Boolean operator: AND. Secondary-level keywords originated from the literature review and the search process. Results were stored in an Excel file based on pre-determined categories and were evaluated based on the research questions. Findings -- There were 106 articles published on the topic of academic libraries and development authored by 164 individuals, pairs, groups or associations during the five-year period of 2006-2010. In 2010, the greatest number of articles (35) was published on the topic, but in 2008, the least number (14) was published. Originality/value -- This study takes the bibliometric analysis approach, which has rarely been used on the topic of academic libraries and development work with the specific focus on library funding. It provides a foundation for further research on the topic, as well as resources to be used by library practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this column is to provide suggestions for recognizing library achievements, and is so doing reinforce donor support. Design/methodology/approach - The column discusses and gives examples of observances to mark accomplishments. Findings - It is suggested that marking accomplishments with appropriate internal and external recognition is essential to a fundraising operation. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its presentation of examples and strategies for promoting achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To outline the potential hazards of a purely numerical approach to evaluating development professionals and development programs. Design/methodology/approach — Narrative paper outlining various means used to assess a library development program. Findings — Library development assessment that utilizes quantitative analysis alone without substantive analysis of the underlying numbers will likely yield incorrect conclusions. Originality/value — Practical suggestions for utilizing qualitative techniques when assessing a library development program or development professional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the impact of the Government subvention to the University of Malawi (UNIMA) from 2004 to 2009 financial years on its libraries and assess levels of fund raising initiatives in the libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a case study approach. Interviews were conducted with five college librarians in the University of Malawi libraries. University budget estimates from 2004/2005 to 2009/2010 financial years were used to assess the amount of income generated by the libraries. Data are presented in the form of tables and analysed by calculating percentage increases and decreases. Findings – UNIMA as a whole has done extremely well in generating income equivalent to subvention. On the other hand, UNIMA libraries are on the receiving end. From 2004/2005 to 2007/2008 financial years, no income was captured in the university budgets from the libraries. In the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 financial years, UNIMA libraries realised 7.2 per cent and 5.4 per cent of the income. This means UNIMA libraries were heavily dependent on government subvention for their operations. Fundraising is not emphasised despite being an appropriate and alternative source of funding. Practical implications – The study recommends that college librarians should consider diversifying income-generating activities and consider fund raising activities as well. Heavy reliance on government subvention is not sustainable. Libraries should seriously consider fundraising. Originality/value – There is an information gap on fund raising activities in UNIMA libraries. This information bridges the gap on sources of income for UNIMA libraries and provides an assessment of fund raising initiatives taken by UNIMA libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for developing events to engage donors and prospective donors. Design/methodology/approach - The paper discusses and gives examples of programming to inspire support over time. Findings - This paper proposes that for some segments of a library's stakeholder base, social gatherings can be effective means to cultivate relationships and build interest in philanthropic support. Originality/value - The value of this paper is in its suggestions for promoting the library's needs and opportunities through events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to assist and offer workarounds for dysfunctional situations in library development situations. Design/methodology/approach - Uses practical solutions gained from experience to avoid or deal with dysfunctional situations. Findings - Development, by its very nature, is anything but straight forward. For a number of reasons, development efforts can get off track. Originality/value - Suggests practical strategies for minimizing dysfunctional elements in library development efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - A model collaborative approach among three distinct library systems with common goals and missions but unique delivery systems. The primary goal was to improve the out of school environment in libraries and develop best practices in supporting youth during these hours. This paper deals with these issues Design/methodology/approach - With support from the Urban Libraries Council, the project maintained an outcome-based approach with measurable goals, indicators, and outcomes. Findings - Substantive progress was made in producing tangible products. Sustaining the work becomes the main focus as the funding runs out. Originality/value - Suggests options for collaborative project management among several large library systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the planned project to create the first presidential library in Africa, the Obasanjo Presidential Library. Design/methodology/approach — Focusing on public concerns and criticisms in the media, the obstacles that may prevent the Obasanjo Presidential Library from being completed are enumerated. Findings — While the Obasanjo Presidential Library is intended to record the President's activities, foster democracy and promote good governance, the methods used to raise fund to date have been controversial. There is widespread criticism of the donations raised for the library project, even though most people see the library as a worthy project to pursue. Originality/value — Provides an example of how even the most worthy project may be headed for failure if not handled properly. The general support for the presidential library may not be enough to see it to completion due to the controversial methods used to secure funds for the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To illustrate that potential donors often can have difficulty in determining how to give to libraries and offer solutions that libraries can employ to eliminate those barriers. Design/methodology/approach - Uses real-life examples to illustrate various ways donors can give to libraries and presents options libraries can use to make giving simple and easy. Findings - Libraries currently under-use the potential of online donations. This can be overcome by prominently posting donation options on the library's Web home page, and make donating to the library simple and easy. Originality/value - Suggests options for libraries to incorporate that can simplify the online giving process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on various conferences about library administration and management to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana in the fall of June 2006. It includes "Money Mavens, 21st Century Style: Best Practices in Library Fundraising," "Built to Last: Managing Sustainable Collaborations," "Strategic Communication: Walk in With a Problem, Walk Out With a Plan," and "Shaking the Money Tree: Grant Writing for Librarians."

Purpose - This article aims to describe how a Friends of the Library group was formed to support the collections and services of a small academic university library. Design/methodology/approach - A case study approach is used to articulate how a friends group can be established to generate revenue for library collections and services. Findings - A discussion is used to review concepts supporting how a friends group may be created to provide financial support as well as community outreach and influence. Practical implications - A friends group can not only add financial stability but also bring much needed positive attention toward various elements of the library enterprise. Friends can help manage special projects or exhibits, allowing library staff to focus on other duties. Social implications - By reaching out to constituents as ambassadors for the library, a friends group can help to promote and add value to the library's role and impact in the community. Originality/value - This article provides a unique example to library administrators and leaders of how a friends group can effectively support library collections and services both financially and operationally. Comments are also provided identifying potential and real challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this review is to advocate for establishing development programs founded on clear goals and priorities tied to strategic planning and resulting in compelling cases for support. Design/methodology/approach - Five recent authors' perspectives cover hiring a professional development officer, a team strategy including fostering a synergistic relationship with development staff, and building a donor base prior to successful fundraising rooted in customer service, outreach and marketing. Findings - Public university libraries without development programs should attempt to start such programs. Library deans should expect to be more involved in advocacy and fundraising, and to develop the necessary skills. Staff should understand it as intrinsic to the library environment. There will be a continuing demand for fundraising professionals in libraries. Originality/value - Libraries that have not previously established their own fundraising programs will minimize their disadvantages in competing for donors and alternative funding with institutions that have by beginning programs prior to a sustained economic recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to share ideas for increasing alumni library donors through a university's annual giving efforts. Design/methodology/approach - A case study is used to explain how alumni library donors are acquired and sustained. Findings - Agreeing to any and all means to bring new alumni donors to the libraries, consistent and increased alumni giving is achieved. Originality/value - Practical suggestions and reminders regarding an academic library annual giving program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To share the experience of two library fund-raisers with other development officers. Design/methodology/approach - Uses interviews with two successful academic library fund-raisers to have them share what they have learned. Findings - Raising funds for any institution can be one of both the hardest and the most rewarding jobs one can do. It requires a lot of personal attention and patience. Originality/value - Identifies five key elements that should be a part of any successful development officer's job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Aims to investigate the suggestion that the library-funding crisis is real and that it is far more serious if one looks at it as a national and international phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach - Surveys recent library literature to ascertain the current health of library budgets. Specific examples are used. Findings - The changed focus in funding libraries reflects a change in civic values and institutional approaches to funding. Rather than rely on past strategies that once worked, new initiatives need to be developed. Originality/value - Suggests five ways in which libraries can position themselves for better funding support in light of current public values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To inform library administrators about the funds generated from tax-exempt entities intended to support various government services, such as libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Using New York State in general, and the Brentwood Public Library in particular, the article illustrates the amount of revenue collected with the intent of funding local libraries. Findings - While substantial funds are collected from tax-exempt entities, often the portion intended to support public libraries does not find its way to the libraries they support. Originality/value - Alerts library administrators to the possibility that they may not be receiving all the revenue that has been collected to support their institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To show how the use of a database of potential donors may increase the success of fund-raising activities. Design/methodology/approach - Explains how a database was used to collect information on potential donors. Each donor was given a value reflecting the strength of their connection to the library. These rankings were based on past gifts, areas of interest, and career, to name a few. Findings - By using a database to collect, maintain? and monitor fund-raising activities at the Syracuse University Library, the library has been able to collaborate with other university units and has achieved more visibility and success in development activities. Originality/value - This study suggests a practical model that could be adopted by other libraries in similar institutions. Early results from the Syracuse University Library experience have been positive, and the library is now positioned as an important partner in campus fund-raising activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To document current sources of revenue for Nigerian libraries, and offer suggestions for alternative funding. Nigerian libraries nation-wide depend mainly on annual budget allocations from the government. Design/methodology/approach - Surveys current literature to determine the current source of funds for each type of library, and then identifies various alternative funding sources that libraries have tried in the past. Each alternative funding source is described, with significant advantages and disadvantages noted when applicable. Findings - Funds for Nigerian library and information services are traditionally derived from a parent institution. These revenues vary from a fixed percentage of an institution's overall budget to an ad hoc arrangement. Most libraries receive far less funding than the percentage that is usually earmarked for them. Originality/value - Emerging spending patterns and societal pressure require libraries to launch new and sustained initiatives to generate funds internally. Steady exploitation of money-yielding ventures, such as consulting, soliciting donations and pricing information services, can generate revenue. Libraries can also share resources in order to expand their services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Strives to illuminate the types of relationships many libraries have with friends' organizations and to illustrate what makes a good relationship between the two organizations. While many libraries have had successful experiences with such groups, not all relationships have a happy ending. Design/methodology/approach - Uses real-life examples to illustrate various ways friends' groups have, and have not, been successful with their relationship with the library, and with their goal to help increase library support. Findings - If managed successfully, a library's relationship with its friends' group can mean greater library advocacy, more funds available for the library, and success for both organizations. Originality/value - Noting some of the pitfalls and successes that have occurred in the past, seven key rules are identified for library managers to keep in mind that will help them keep a relationship with a Mends' advocacy group from going sour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries have barely begun to exploit alternate funding potential. Provides essential information and outlines the steps for planning using a team approach. Library staff and support group leaders will find the information helpful as their guide to fundraising for a library. Provides the tools to develop a powerful, customized library fundraising action plan. Provides the three phases of planning, a planning questionnaire, and guidelines for the planning team. Describes fundraising strategies for libraries in detail and sample planning worksheets clarify how the plan should look. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suggests that fundraisers too often focus on wooing donors of large gifts. A relatively small number of success stories notwithstanding, greater success is achieved by developing modest fundraising enterprises which can generate an income to support the organization. Such fundraising activities are, in actuality, small business enterprises. The author suggests that, like entrepreneurs, nonprofit fundraisers should develop detailed business plans. The article discusses steps for such a plan including generating fundraising ideas, establishing a time frame, reducing start-up costs, planning, delegating tasks, and building upon success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of librarians and library staff in a successful development program. Design/methodology/approach - Narrative article to emphasize that successful library development programs require the input and support from librarians and library staff. Findings - Library development programs do not operate in a vacuum and in fact draw upon the talents of many key personnel throughout the library. Originality/value - Practical suggestions for incorporating the whole library organization into development and fundraising efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on factors that impact the economy and the role they play in the effectiveness of fund-raising efforts. It is noted that identifying and nurturing prospective donors is hard work and time consuming, and the return on that investment is higher in a healthy economy. While it is true that there is nothing that is immediately alarming about the state of the economy, there are indicators that suggest all is not what is seems. The author in this article believes that bubbles in any market are never a good thing, but perhaps they are unavoidable, cyclical, and natural. He recounts that when the stock market bubble popped in the late 1990s, ripples were felt far and wide, even if only slightly. He witnessed a substantial donor become slow to uphold their philanthropic commitment. In many ways, he thinks the real estate market is in a similar situation today. He believes that a housing boom is not historically unprecedented, nor necessarily a bad thing. The most important concern for him about the current housing boom is the number of investors that are purchasing a property or properties other than a primary residence. Another concern is the manner by which buyers are coming by the money to make these purchases.

Purpose - To assist library development staff in redefining who theft library donors and constituency are in order to broaden the donor pool. Design/methodology/approach - Uses strategies developed by fund-raising efforts at the University of Michigan. Findings - Cooperative development initiatives can lead to untapped fund-raising opportunities by looking across campus and considering developing new relationships with departments and colleagues, thinking creatively about cultivation opportunities, and educating and finding ways to reward new friends. Originality/value - Suggests ideas that lead to a library development program that can engage and touch lives on campus and in the community, which also can translate into fund-raising opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Libraries rely on endowment revenue for collection development and general operating expenses. Endowment gifts, both for collection development and for general operating expenses, can be a significant priority for a library during this fund-raising effort. As such, it is this column's goal to summarize the challenges and advantages of these endowment gifts, and strategies for endowment fundraising in libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Uses lessons learned by endowment efforts at the University of Pennsylvania Library, noting strategies that have worked. Findings - Endowments present unique challenges and opportunities. While their benefits to the library are often less understood and intangible, often they are more accessible to donors due to a low threshold for establishment and the flexibility to give over a period of years. Originality/value - Challenges and advantages are explored and strategies are offered to improve the effectiveness of endowment fundraising including marketing, challenge programs, and bequest encouragement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidding for additional funds for your organisation can be both a daunting experience and an exciting challenge. This article offers a few principles for fundraising which have been gained through practice and the help received from others. It includes some "how to do it" tips which may serve well in practical situations. Before bidding for a real project or need, it also suggests that an exercise on preparing a hypothetical bid, perhaps with some colleagues as a staff development session, be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on various issues related to library finance in the U.S. The three libraries in Salinas, California were scheduled to close indefinitely for lack of revenue. The Salinas case is newsworthy because the voters of Salinas will decide if the reprieve is temporary or if there will be steady funding for the library. Although the outrage that followed the announcement of the closings has ensured an easy pass on the measure, it is apparently nothing to take for granted. Lynne Steele, president of the Friends of the Salinas Library, is surprised that there are people in the community who will need convincing that the libraries need a stronger revenue stream. Also, in Bedford, Texas, the library was able to reopen with a reduced schedule and program when an anonymous donor provided funding, which will be augmented with monies from fund-raising efforts by Friends of the Library and residents.