PLANNING FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Issues
of Importance
How
will I fund my digital project?
Library and museum revenue sources have traditionally not provided
funds to equip organizations for new projects or additional responsibilities.
In most organizations the activities involved in creating digital collections
will not be funded, initially, through program funding. When creating
digital collections the organization will have to plan for on-going production
beyond pilot and development phases. Finding resources to support on-going
operation after the development effort must be resolved. Eventually, program
level funding within organization budgets must be developed. Ongoing storage
and maintenance of digital collections is just one example of program
level costs to plan for.
Organizations embarking on a digital collections project will experience a drain of staff resources, workflow and energy. This will occur even when the greatest share of project funding or staffing is supported through a grant. Plan for and expect that the project will draw from staff time and organizational resources.
TOP
Options to consider:
Collaborative efforts
In Washington State few organizations beyond the largest libraries or
museums will be able to fund digital projects independently. The cost
of digital projects in time, staff resources and purchase of equipment
is likely to be burdensome for all but the largest, well funded organizations.
For decentralized projects, led by local organizations, the benefits of
collaboration and partnerships becomes attractive because of the opportunity
to utilize expertise beyond the local level.
Outside Funding
Vs Local Funding
Funds may be available from sources within and without local boundaries.
State and federal grant funds represent outside sources to pursue. Grant
funding sources and suggestions are listed on the resouces page. Local
sources of funding outside of the organization budget can be as diverse
as the ubiquitous bake sale or car wash or can be as creative as the "each
one fund one" campaigns that raise funding through pledged support
from individuals. Partnerships can be formed between local heritage organizations
and libraries to leverage local funding sources. Local grant and gift
sources can be pursued. Local funding options include assessments, budget
appropriations, vendor/corporate partnerships, and revenue generation
including sale of individual reproductions.
Collaboration:
- Collaboration within projects produces valuable results.
- Funding agencies such as IMLS and LSTA grants favor collaborative projects that disseminate information and share knowledge.
- Partnering and cooperation will foster shared knowledge and technical solutions.
- Collaboration takes time and planning.
- Collaboration between libraries and local heritage organizations can make use of skills unique to each organization.
