Better with a Crowd! Crowdfunding for Libraries Andrea Simzak Levandowski Reference Librarian, Funding Information Connecting people with information through libraries 1

2 By Moses (The Crowd For DMB 1) [CC BY 2.0 ( via Wikimedia Commons

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How do I get my money? Connecting people with information through libraries 6 Source Author Jericho

Should you crowdfund?  Specific program, project, or service  Current, timely, or urgent need  Staff time and resources dedicated to running a campaign  Network of potential supporters and sharers  Core group of committed backers  Strong communication channels  Everything is in place, except for the money Connecting people with information through libraries 7 Well, maybe…

How do we start? Connecting people with information through libraries 8 1. Plan Your Project Pick the right project Do your research Do the math Delegate responsibility 2. Create Your Campaign Choose the best platform for you Design your campaign Set funding levels Edit 3. Launch Now the work really starts! Monitor activity Mind the lull Share your milestones 4. Follow Up Say thank you Do what you said you would do Continue to engage your backers Communicate Frequently, creatively, meaningfully

Further Reading Cottrell, M. (2014). Libraries Find Success in Crowdfunding. American Libraries, 45(5), Leman, H. (2013). Crowd-funding What's In It for Us as Librarians? Computers In Libraries, 33(10), Connecting people with information through libraries 9

Questions? Thank you for listening! Andrea Simzak Levandowski (609) x190 Connecting people with information through libraries 10