The Frugal Librarian

Fewer employees, shorter hours, diminished collection budgets, reduced programs and services—all at a time of record library usage. Don’t fret and fritter away scarce resources. Be frugal! In this book, library expert Carol Smallwood demonstrates that despite the obvious downsides, the necessity of doing business differently can be positive, leading to partnering, sharing, and innovating. This collection speaks to universal concerns, presenting creative and resourceful solutions from dozens of librarians representing a wide variety of institutions. The Frugal Librarian helps library professionals * Find supplementary funding sources, including grants * Save money by sharing resources, using tiered staffing for technical services, and implementing green IT * Tap into grassroots movements to save neighborhood libraries * Preserve and enhance important library functions like programming, outreach, and staff development, despite a tight budget This book offers plenty of ideas that can be implemented immediately.