OCLC Online Computer Library Center 1 Making a Library Funding or Policy Request

OCLC Online Computer Library Center

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Making a Library Funding or Policy Request


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Session Purpose

In this session, we will discuss how to put into practice what you have learned

during the advocacy training to request funding for your library.


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In this session, you will:

Session Agenda

1. Discuss local library budgets and funding

2. Discuss common challenges associated with making requests of decision-makers

3. Organize and apply what you have learned during the advocacy training to make requests on behalf of your library

4. Practice making a funding request


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Funding Roles and Responsibilities

How many of you…

•are involved in helping determine the budget needs for your library?

•are responsible for making library budget requests or pursuing policy change?

•have found yourselves unable to do a library project or offer a service to your community because your library does not have the resources?

Q:


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Local Library Funding

What are the different sources of funding for your public library? Q:


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Activity: Common Funding Challenges


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Examples of how advocacy can influence library funding decisions:

• Raises decision-makers’ awareness of the library’s programs and services

• Helps demonstrate how the library is meeting community needs and priorities

• Reinforces the value of the library to the community

Advocacy and Library Funding


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The Five W’sWHO are the decision-makers you are targeting? Q:WHAT is the funding amount your library needs?

WHY is the library funding needed?

WHERE and HOW will you make your library funding request

WHEN will you make the funding request?


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Activity: Practice Making a Library Funding Request


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How to Handle “No”

1. Do not take a “no” personally.2. A rejection, while difficult, also provides an

opportunity to learn in preparation for the next request you make.

3. A “no” now does not mean a “no” forever.


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Reviewing our agenda:

Discuss local library budgets and funding

Discuss common challenges associated with making requests of decision-makers

Organize and apply what you have learned during the advocacy training to make requests on behalf of your library

Practice making a funding request

Closing


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Please fill out your Session Feedback Form.

Evaluation

Documents

OCLC Online Computer Library Center 1 Making a Library Funding or Policy Request