Libraries need to continually advocate for the importance of collection development within your institution and community. Basically, the library needs to make the case for investment in digital collections to key stakeholders, including administrators, trustees, and local leaders. Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD supports the development of libraries by providing service planning, value engineering, library space programming and digital service planning.
Service Planning & Improvements
Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD (library consultants) provides strategies on how to utilize libraries, make the most of the building, staff and services. Basically, our consultants help frame the requirements for a modern library. Certainly, usage analytics tools can be used to track digital and physical resource access and usage patterns. Indeed, it is important to analyze which resources are most frequently accessed and identify any trends or anomalies. Its important to leverage experience to develop a solid library program and library master plan.
Funding Improvements
Note, funding library initiatives can be a challenge, but there are various service strategies and sources of funding that institutions can explore. For example, Endowments, Sponsorships and Partnerships are critical to the development of a library.
Building an Endowments
During a 6 month study of international libraries, we found that many non profits struggle to be self sufficient. After we studied the financials of libraries around the world, we noticed a trend. We found that endowments are critical to the success of libraries. The first step is to collaborate with local businesses, individuals or corporations that have an interest in supporting the library and/or digital literacy in the community.
Community Research
We know that planning partnership ties with alumni and other donors results in unique library collections. Creating an endowment enables the library to invest in educational initiatives and build social responsibility efforts across different groups. Our team works with the library leadership to create a service strategy. Indeed, this understanding of library services platform enables the community to contribute to digital literacy, library programs and collections. We know that planning for the future is effective, especially if the local businesses, individuals or corporations see the direct impact on students and the community.
Funding Libraries
Certainly, grants and foundations are a good starting point, but they require professional who are tireless and detail oriented. Firstly, start a self study you can seek out grants and funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and non-profit organizations. Focus on a collection development topic such as digital literacy and collaborative initiatives. Many organizations provide grants specifically for educational technology and digital literacy projects. Explore government grants and funding programs at the local, state, and national levels. Government agencies often allocate funds for educational technology and digital literacy initiatives.
Library Grant Links
There are several grants and foundations that specifically support libraries and library-related initiatives. Indeed, these organizations provide funding for various library projects, from digitization efforts to community engagement programs. Here are some library-specific grants and foundations to consider.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a federal agency in the United States that offers grants to support libraries and museums. They provide funding for various library projects, including digitization, technology upgrades, and community programs.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants:
LSTA grants are federal grants administered by state library agencies. These grants support a wide range of library services and programs, including technology access, literacy initiatives, and professional development. Visit the State Program Page – LSTA Grants Reps for States
American Library Association (ALA) offers a variety of grants and awards for libraries and library professionals. These include grants for innovative library programming, intellectual freedom initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts.
The Gates Foundation provides grants to libraries to support technology access, digital literacy, and community engagement. They have a strong focus on narrowing the digital divide.
Knight Foundation:
The Knight Foundation supports libraries in efforts to innovate and engage their communities. They provide grants for projects that leverage technology and promote civic engagement.
Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries provides grants to schools, libraries, and other organizations to purchase books and reading materials for their collections, with a focus on underserved communities.
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Digital Humanities grant can be used for library-related projects that promote humanities education, research, and cultural preservation. This includes support for digitization and preservation of historical materials.
National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) provides funding for health-related library projects, including those focused on health literacy, community outreach, and access to health information.
Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) receives grants and funding opportunities for libraries and cultural heritage institutions. You can contact them if you want to contribute to the digitization and accessibility of historical materials.
Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) offers grants to rural libraries for technology upgrades and digital literacy programs, with a focus on improving rural broadband access.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York:
Carnegie Corporation supports library initiatives that promote literacy, education, and community development. They offer grants for a variety of library-related projects.
Many state and local library associations offer grants and scholarships to libraries and library professionals for professional development, community programs, and technology initiatives.
