WE WOULD IF WE COULD, BUT IT IS NOT IN THE BUDGET: SUCCESS STORIES IN THIRD PARTY FUNDING FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS.

Given Australia's wealth, public libraries across all of its states and territories are woefully underfunded on a per capita basis. While improvements to ongoing government funding may take many years of concerted lobbying, library managers and local councils need to be aware of substantial funding opportunities that exist through innovative partnerships in their own localities. Universities, local employers, professional sport teams and associations and registered clubs are just some of the organisations that are proven partners for public libraries seeking to expand and improve their services. This paper provides a step by step guide for library managers and local councillors who are keen to explore their entrepreneurial sides and seek appropriate, viable, longterm financial partnerships to deliver improved community outcomes. It also provides case studies of successful funding partnerships to demonstrate the viability of such strategies. Edited version of a paper given at the September 2008 biennial conference of the Australian Library and Information Association held in Alice Springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]