Making the Case

Making the Case

Although it may seem daunting to have to compete with services like the fire or police department, the library is just as valuable an asset to a community. In tough economic times, the library is at the same time more highly used and more likely to suffer from budget cuts and lack of support.  Making the case for libraries – having a clear, consistent message and delivering it to the right people -- is critical at this time.

• Define Your Message
• Message Worksheet
• Target Your Audiences
• Identify Communication Strategies
• Designate Spokespeople
• In Case of Controversy...
• Answering Tough Questions
• Telling Our Story 

Return on Investment

• How valuable is your local library? Use this handy Library Value Calculator to find out.
• Download the Library Value Calculator to customize and install on your site (Excel and HTML/Javascript versions included) 
• Libraries and return on investment- Wiki
• Outcome Measurement Tools

Statistics

• Library Funding
• Funding Landscape (PDF)
• Public Library Use
• Libraries Build Sustainable Communities

Tough Economy Home