Abstract
Grant writing is more important than ever in an era of “proving our worth” at academic libraries. For small libraries wanting to provide their communities with unique programming opportunities, such grant writing is often essential, because the funding for programming is often nonexistent, or minimal. As librarians work to make grant writing a priority at their institutions, they must be mindful of the importance of building relationships with the university administration, various colleges and departments within the university, individual faculty members, staff, students, and members of the surrounding community. In an era of falling enrollment, budget cuts and pressure from administration to “prove value,” grant writing can also be a great marketing/promotional tool. Furthermore, programming grants can aid in student recruitment and retention, by bringing in not only the university community, but the general community served by the university as well, which can provide a university with greater exposure. There is also the opportunity to collaborate with businesses in the community.
Publication Date
7-3-2017