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Middle managers and major gifts: fundraising for academic librarians

Tomalee Doan (Purdue University Libraries, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA)
Sammie L. Morris (Purdue University Libraries, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA)

The Bottom Line

ISSN: 0888-045X

Article publication date: 23 November 2012

807

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Citation

Doan, T. and Morris, S.L. (2012), "Middle managers and major gifts: fundraising for academic librarians", The Bottom Line, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 190-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880451211292630

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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