Reviews of the earlier edition: "direct and casual style inspires confidence...outstanding"--Library Journal; "one of the best...covers all the bases...wonderful"--Wilson Library Bulletin. This fully revised and updated edition provides current information on automation and technology and on advocacy to help small public libraries strive to make available the same basic services as larger libraries. This book is written for the directors of these honest-to-goodness small libraries, providing both a philosophical as well as a common sense basis for decision making. Appendices provide sample documents for a librarys Statement of Purpose, worksheets for job descriptions and personnel policies, a volunteer application form, ALA documents (Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics), a list of discount book dealers, and a sample meeting room policy.

Executive Director of United for Libraries and former Executive Director of Friends of Libraries U.S.A., Reed has decades of experience liaising between Friends groups and the libraries that they support, serve, and (sometimes) exasperate. Her new book cuts to chase of building and maintaining these important relationships, showing not only how to effectively harness Friends’ goodwill and enthusiasm but also sharing tactful techniques for steering an ineffective or unfriendly group down the right path. Her pragmatic approach will resonate with public and academic library directors, volunteer coordinators, and other library staff who work with Friends. Written with knowing humor and focused on getting positive results, this book provides guidance for developing a Friends group for public and academic libraries; explains how to merge a Friends group with a foundation; gives pointers on encouraging Friends to attract new and active members, working with the Friends board to develop leadership skills, and other crucial partnership strategies; addresses the sticky situation of “unfriendly” Friends, with sage advice on handling Friends who seem unmotivated when it comes to fundraising or advocacy, are uncommunicative, overstep their bounds, and other difficult issues; and shares fundraising, advocacy, programs, and membership development best practices from Friends groups across the country . Tailored specifically to librarians’ point of view, this book will inform and empower libraries to work effectively with Friends groups for greater fundraising, engagement, and advocacy outcomes.

The first edition of this breakthrough book was a huge success, so FOLUSA (Friends of Libraries USA) has collected 101+ more terrific ideas and best practices to help you and your team connect with your community. Following an introduction which sets the stage for effective library/community partnerships, you'll discover ideas for innovative programs, successful fund raising, strategic advocacy, powerful public relations, memorable membership campaigns and more. As in the first book, each idea is presented with practical instructions, graphics, and implementation tools so you can adapt these programs successfully and creatively to match your library's specific needs and opportunities.