How to Set Up a Library

Some people see the Internet as a replacement for the library; however, public libraries are still a great source of knowledge, entertainment and supplemental education. We cannot read most novels, academic texts, or the classics in their full, original format online. If your community needs a public library, below are some tips to set one up.

How to Set Up a Library

1. Find out the legalities of starting a library.
   It is essential to find out what public library statutes and legislation there are for your state. For the United States, you can seek guidance and information from the American Library Association. Additionally, state library laws vary, so you will want to check with your state library association as well to get information about what is required in your state to establish a library. This will include finding out what forms of assistance is available. Also, find out what government agencies and departments, as well as private sources, offer funding for public libraries.




2. Get information to back your proposal that proves a need.
   By meeting with directors of other public libraries, it will help you collect the statistics and data to help support your proposal.




3. Gain support for your project.
   Start a political action committee to help educate the public and raise awareness, get funding, and help to put pressure on public officials to take your concerns seriously. Enlist as much positive publicity as possible through public meetings, and the media outlining the advantages of opening the library and have a library specialist address the assembly.




4. Gain expert backing and support for your project.
   Invite experts to join you in your endeavor, such as a librarian who holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science to lead the project. This person is educated in collection development and the politics that surround libraries, how to procure additional funding, and dealing with staffing and other managerial issues associated with opening and operating a public library.




5. Securing funding for your project.
   Approach private organizations and corporations for funding, as well as taking your cause to community leaders who are responsible for library funding.




6. Present your proposal.
   Attend city council meetings and express your interest in building a new library, present your data and community support for the project, as well as the financial backing to which you have access.

The Public Library Start-Up Guide by expert library director and author, Christine Hage, provides information and the steps required for setting up a library; everything from looking at strategies to choosing the furniture. She offers information in a clear, non-technical, step-by-step manner, which covers all the practical issues that library professional and non-librarians alike need to know to get started.