Ways to Maximize Resources With Minimal Funding (for Library Media Specialists)

1. LeeAnna Mills, NBCT
lmills@tcss.net
and
Michelle Wilson
mwilson518@gmail.com

2. Just the Facts
 There will be NO state monies for 09/10
 Not the first time and probably won’t be the last!
 Will have to learn to fundraise and go after grants
 Reach out to your community for support

3. Ideas For YOU
 Join Professional Associations and Listservs
 AIMA
 AASL
 ALA
 AEA
 Learn to use social media as a professional network; it
is unlikely anyone will get release time for Professional
Development next year.

4. Ideas for Programming
 Utilize and publicize the Alabama Virtual Library
(AVL)
 September is National Library Card Month
 Orientation is perfect opportunity to introduce this
wonderful resource to faculty and students
 Use as a collaboration tool
 Great opportunity to present to faculty as PD
 Offer a parent workshop

5. More Programming Ideas
 Establish or continue a partnership with your local
public library
 Share data with AR program and test lists
 Possible resource for speakers/authors
 Programming opportunities
 Create a parent hospitality committee for your library
media center
 Grandparents’ Day celebration (elementary)

6. Ideas for Promotions
 Center your programs around books you already own
with no cost incentives
 Lunch in the Library
 Free homework passes
 Free time on the computer (supervised)
 Free or low cost coupons or prizes
 Solicit & utilize free stuff from retail establishments, ask in
person or use form letter, examples: movie posters, tickets to
movies or movie rentals, coupons for food

7. Ideas for LMC
 Encourage and educate faculty and students not to
print unless necessary
 Be the place to collect paper to be recycled and reuse
 Wipe printer cartridges with baby wipes to extend life
 Recycle folders – can be used to make “tent” signs
 Enlist students to help by “Adopting Shelves”, place
sign with their name and they are responsible for
keeping that shelf or area in order

8. More Ideas for LMC
 Make a wish list for LMC and post on webpage and in
newsletters
 Use inexpensive plastic picture frames for signs
 Use extra Scrapbooking materials for signs, displays
and posters…better yet, seek parent volunteers for this!
 Digital picture frames are great way to post
information and photos of library happenings
 Repair books instead of replacing them

9. Opportunities
 Rethink your focus or goals?
 Use this year to really clean up your collection!
 Possibly begin new support programs for the LMC
 Friends of the Library
 Solicit donations of good used books and those you
cannot use could be part of sale or giveaway program
 Become an advocate and begin to build parental and
student support by informing everyone that we have
no money this year!

10. Helpful Links
 AIMA – www.alaima.org
 ALA – www.ala.org
 Advocacy http://capwiz.com/ala/home/
 State of Alabama : http://www.legislature.state.al.us/
 Listserves: LM_NET, ALMO and AIMA
 Great website to explore:
 http://www.librarysupportstaff.com/4schools.html#disp
lays