[OPLINLIST] Zero Balance

[huizenge@oplin.org]

Mark,
You make some very good points.  We are very fortunate that we have a
supportive community, and quite often folks will give more money when they
have a fine, or make a copy, and say "put it in the kitty." or something
like that.  I, too, hate to punish our patrons when times are bad - times
are bad for them, too.  In fact, we don't charge fines for Sr. Citizens or
for children under 16 - good will is worth a lot!
Though like many small libraries, we don't have the luxury of finding
corporate sponsors very often.  We have a number of local businesses in
town, but they are really getting hit up by the school organizations and
others.  This is a challenging time for all of us, but most of us can't
really run our libraries on fines.
Georgi Huizenga, Harris-Elmore Public Library

> Hi everyone,
>
> THIS really got me to thinking.
>
> Yes, we are all facing some tough times, along with cities and schools.
> However, I think we need to come at this from a completely different
> angle, because I really do not think this is the way to go.  First, you
> will not collect any more money. Second, those folks you turn away will
> NOT be back, or will not be back for a very long time.
>
> No, focusing on cuts is not the answer.  I believe we must focus on
> revenues.  In the process of preparing our budget, I asked the Fiscal
> Officer to take mostly from materials and supplies (including for
> programs).  I did this because people love to contribute for books or
> sponsor programs, and I plan to make up quite a bit of this lost revenue.
> I am not about to cut hours and I am certainly not entertaining laying off
> or getting rid of staff.  You can replace materials or be more creative
> with programs, but you cannot replace the people who make the library what
> it is.
>
> Besides, I'm not talking about nickels and dimes.  No, I'm talking about
> corporate sponsorships and other partnerships.  The 2009 Summer Reading
> Program brought to you by XYZ company.  At the Innovative Environments
> conference last week there were 2 good programs on this, one on
> fundraising and one on public/private partnerships.   So, I'm looking for
> those partnerships and not just for next year, but lasting
> partnerships.
>
> We cannot let our organizations be defined by our funding. No, we need to
> figure what we want to do, put a price on it, SUBTRACT that amount from
> what we will get in funding, and get busy making up the difference.
>
> No more hand-wringing, no more lamenting our budgets getting cut again.
>
> Okay, we CAN collect more fines.   Have a "Pay your fines week."  Let
> patrons know we are facing a reduction in funding and if they want to
> help, stop in and pay any fines they may owe.  I bet you will get some
> contributions too.   Right now on my desk is a check for $150 from a
> couple that gave that amount last year and the year before.  Over the next
> few weeks I will get several more checks from regular donors.
>
> People like to support us.  They contribute and pay their fines (okay,
> MOST of 'em do!). They will continue to support us, especially if they
> know we need their help.  Should we turn around and do something punative
> that will drive them away?
>
> Mark
>
> Mark Mabelitini, Director
> Tipp City Public Library
> 11 E. Main St.
> Tipp City, Ohio 45371
> (937) 667-3826 (office)
> (937) 667-7968 (fax)
> www.tippcitylibrary.org
>
>
>
>
>
>> Hello all:
>> We are forced to take drastic steps over here in Black Swamp land.
> Effective
>> December 1st, no patron will be allowed to borrow library materials, or
>> use
>> library computers unless they have a "zero balance". Big sigh... can't
> believe I'd see it in my lifetime. Also, we are starting to use a
> collection
>> agency. Gotta cut the budget by close to $100K. These are tough times,
> indeed...
>> Best,
>> Susan
>>
>> --
>> Susan Pieper, Director
>> Paulding County Carnegie Library
>> 205 S. Main Street
>> Paulding, OH 45879
>> 419-399-2032 voice and 419-399-2114 fax
>> Editor, Rural Library Services Newsletter
>> www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
>> www.myspace.com/pauldingcountylibrary
>> susanhillpieper at gmail.com
>> ALA Councilor-At-Large (2007-2010)
>> ALA-APA Councilor (2007-2010)
>> PLA Board of Directors
>> ARSL Board Member ex-officio
>> (Association for Rural & Small Libraries)
>> _______________________________________________
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