Obtaining financial support from industry for a state-supported geoscience/mining library: a case study of Mines Librarys' small-scale fund raising efforts
In addition to the faculty and students of the Mackay School of Mines, the University of Nevada Reno's Mines Library serves a large constituency of off-campus users from local mining and geological exploration firms. Many of these firms point to Mines Library's research facilities as one of their primary reasons for locating offices in the Reno area. In fiscal year 1983-1984 off-campus users accounted for 38% of Mines Library's circulation. Until the mid-1970's the library did not formally solicit cash contributions from the mining and exploration industries. As demands for service from the mineral industry grew, the librarian established an annual fund raising drive specifically aimed at that sector. It took a long time for the campaign to gain momentum. Initially, fund raising accounted for as little as $1000 - $2000 additional revenue per annum. Recently, however, the proceeds have grown to a more respectable $10,000 - $15,000 a year, enabling this library to purchase many publications and some items of equipment beyond that funded by the state. The paper outlines both successful and unsuccessful fund raising techniques and strategies employed over the years, such as letters, brochures, personal and group contacts, endowments, book plates, donor plaques, and various forms of publicity. Maintenance of mailing lists, donor files, and other records is briefly covered. Various problems and pitfalls associated with the program are examined. The presentation concludes with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking such an alternate funding program.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6663850
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
58 GEOSCIENCES
INFORMATION CENTERS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
OPERATING COST
MINERAL INDUSTRY
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
LIBRARIES
PUBLIC INFORMATION
COST
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FINANCING
INDUSTRY
INFORMATION
990300* - Information Handling
580000 - Geosciences