The Frugal Librarian: Thriving in Tough Economic Times

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 Smallwood persuasively demonstrates that the necessity of doing business differently can be positive. Presenting creative and resourceful solutions to universal concerns from dozens of librarians, representing a wide variety of institutions, this collection helps overtaxed 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 Partnering, sharing, innovating-these are the watchwords for contemporary librarians in tough economic times, and this book offers plenty of ideas that can be implemented immediately.