ACRL News Issue (B) of College & Research Libraries March 1989 / 205 The proclamation in an issue of The Library Muse from the University of Missouri Library pro­ claiming April as Book Desecration Month, along with the presentation of the official Don’t Care Bear symbol, may be, in part, an effort to focus at­ tention on untow ard user behavior but it too car­ ries with it just a hint of discomfort about preserva­ tion efforts. The description and illustration in that same issue of Saint Asafoetida—the Patron Saint of Book Preservation, also know n as the Blessed Fum igator—who “felt the call of her venerated profession and abandoned library school to wander through the m idw estern libraries spreading the Doctrine of Preservation” clearly expresses the con­ cern that many librarians seem to have with the too ardent dedication of their colleagues who have seen the preservation light. In their zeal those colleagues can become easy targets for fun. For that we should be thankful. Our concerns may be especially evident when those nasty preservation librarians attem pt to im­ pose their doctrines in ways that affect the personal habits of users and/or staff in relationship to the consumption of food and drink in the proximity of library materials. As the New York University Li­ braries videotape and the Fairfield University Li­ brary exhibit demonstrate, the damage that food and drink can do to library books is real but reform­ ing the guilty m ay be more successful, and less re­ sented, if approached w ith a touch of humor. But those same issues obviously affect library staff who may be just as accustomed as users to a more casual approach to the consumption of food and drink at work. The imposition of the same, or more strin­ gent, standards on lib rary staff as imposed on users—for after all we must be good role models— can generate outright hostility to th at aspect of the preservation cause th a t may surface through hu­ mor. News Nosey reported, for example, in 1985 on a new series of brown bag lectures to which staff were encouraged to bring their brown bags but without food or drink in them. The continuing cockroach battle at the Ohio State University Li­ brary (see box below again)—including the de­ scription of the discovery of the largest cockroach species known to m an—and other aspects of the battle against food and drink in the library, have been featured there in a humorous context but the dividing lines among the library staff have not been clearly drawn. But whether in simple jest or in earnest satire the im portant national library effort to address serious preservation concerns does have its lighter aspects. Just as it has added a new dimension to the serious side of librarianship, so it has added a new dimen­ sion to the humorous side. That has been an unan­ ticipated and welcome benefit of this vital work. Applications invited for C&RL editor Nominations and applications are invited for the position of editor of College ‹b- Research L i­ braries. The editor is appointed for a three-year term which may be renewed for an additional three years. Applicants must be members of ALA and ACRL. Qualifications include experi­ ence in academic libraries, evidence of research and editing activity, and a broad knowledge of the issues confronting academic libraries. A small honorarium for the editor and funding arrangements for editorial assistance are avail­ able. Nominations or resumes w ith names of th ree references m ay be sent to: C. Brigid Welch, Chair, College and Research Libraries Search C om m ittee, C en tral U niversity L i­ brary, C-075-R, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093. The deadline for applications is May 1, 1989. Library benefit concerts: Blood, sweat, and cash B y P e t e r A. M ü n sted t Conservatory Librarian University o f Missouri-Kansas City Budget cuts and inadequate funding have in­ creasingly sent academic librarians in search of outside money. Grants are one means of obtaining support, but this funding has become scarce over the years. Finding grants applicable to a library and its particular needs also restricts the possibili­ ties, especially for smaller academic libraries. In these lean financial times for libraries, new and creative approaches are often necessary to supple­ ment a budget. As Peter Spyers-Duran points out: “The choice between operative poverty and rela­ tive affluence may be determined by the academic library’s ability to increase outside support level.”1 1Peter Spyers-Duran, “Revitalization of Aca­ demic Library Programs through Creative Fund- Raising,” in Austerity Management in Academic Libraries, ed. John F. Harvey and Peter Spyers- 206 / C&RL News Book au ctio n s, video re n ta ls, w alk ath o n s, library-sponsored tours of foreign countries, and sales of library T-shirts are among the innovative ways that libraries have raised money. Unfortu­ nately, some academic librarians lack the time or initiative to consider fundraising events. It is not a subject usually discussed in library school, and one that may seem more applicable to public libraries. But academic librarians should not overlook fund­ raising and public relations if these efforts will ben­ efit their collections. Fundraising can be an effec­ tive means to supplement budgets and promote any library. This money can be spent however needed, unlike grant funding which is often targeted for specific areas such as access or preservation.2 Music librarians who serve as liaisons to music departments are fortunate in regard to fundraising since their faculty and students are performing art­ ists. But surprisingly, the link between these per­ formers and fundraising concerts is often over­ looked. Convincing the faculty to support such a concert can be a challenge, depending upon the re­ lationship between the library and music depart­ ment. In addition, the institution’s development office must espouse the cause of this event. The am ount of tim e to plan and organize—always longer than anticipated—is also a consideration. Yet in spite of the obstacles, library benefit concerts can be presented w ith success. The following case study examines a music library benefit concert pre­ sented in Septem ber 1988 a t the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For approximately three years, the possibility of a benefit concert had been discussed by the Con­ servatory’s Library Committee. This committee, composed of three Conservatory faculty members and the Conservatory librarian, met regularly to discuss library issues. Upon hearing of the library’s budgetary problems, the committee pursued the idea of an annual benefit concert, with proceeds going to Conservatory Library acquisitions. The director of libraries, dean of the Conservatory, and the University Development Office approved of this concert, leaving the committee in control of its organization. Several initial decisions were necessary, not least of which concerned choosing the performers. After considering students and facu lty , the idea of Duran (Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1984), 82. 2There are several books that deal with general principles of fundraising, some of which include musical events. However, these benefit concerts are usually large gala events featuring a Sammy Davis Jr. and $500 tickets, events in another strato­ sphere from most humble libraries. Library litera­ ture discusses fundraising techniques, but little about benefit events w ithin academic libraries. Benefit concerts are mentioned in music literature, but these events are usually either million dollar af­ fairs such as Farm Aid or Live Aid, or high school band fundraisers. alumni performers became the most attractive op­ tion. The Conservatory Alumni Association wel­ comed the proposal since this organization had been rather dorm ant and wished to increase mem­ bership activity. There were many local alumni who would enjoy attending this event which could be incorporated w ithin the annual alumni dinner held in Septem ber. W hile the com m ittee was pleased w ith this response, th ere was concern ab o u t perform ing stan d ard s, as these alum ni would be representing the Conservatory. Divi­ sional heads of the Conservatory were contacted by the committee and asked to recommend two or three alumni to perform in this concert. It was hoped to present the finest performers who had re­ mained musically active upon graduation. The next issue concerned programming the con­ cert. W ith several diverse performers, a common theme was needed to unite this event. In an effort to reach the community, it was felt that light music would be appropriate. A concert of all popular works, however, would not accurately reflect the Conservatory and its curriculum. Instead, an eve­ ning of encore pieces—short, showy works usually played at the end of a recital—would gain commu­ nity support and properly showcase alumni tal­ ents. Performers were asked to choose encore rep­ ertoire consisting of pieces th at last about five minutes or less. A wide variety of music comprised the program , ranging from Gershwin songs to Chopin waltzes. Performers included two solo pi­ anists, a flutist, a violinist, a soprano, and two dancers. These were local alumni who had gener­ ously donated their time. Complimentary tickets and a cassette tape of the concert were all that they received, so this expense was minimal. During the planning stages, it became evident that an appealing name was needed for the con­ cert. The Conservatory Library Benefit Concert, as it was initially called, lacked the necessary Madi­ son Avenue appeal. Because the concert consisted of encore pieces, and the performers (and several in the audience) were returning students, it was de­ cided to call this an encore concert. To emphasize that it would be held annually, the year was added to the name, so th at the initial concert became known as, “Encore ‘88.” Although the goal was to raise as much money as possible, the realistic objective was to present a suc­ cessful concert th at would be well received and be­ come an annual event. A modest ticket price of $10 was charged, and Conservatory students and fac­ ulty were granted free admission, so as to encour­ age a large audience. The two major expenses, a wine and cheese reception and the cost of a staff ac­ companist, were taken from the concert’s pro­ ceeds. Although these expenses could have been avoided, they were worthwhile in establishing a quality concert. Most smaller expenses, such as promotional flyers, programs, tickets, and post­ age, were absorbed by the Conservatory, Library, and Development Office. There was no rental fee 208 / C&RL News for the Conservatory’s recital hall. Publicity was handled by the Conservatory’s publicity departm ent. Promotional flyers, which encouraged donations from those not attending, w ere m ailed to C onservatory alum ni and the Friends of the L ib rary . N ew spaper an nounce­ ments along w ith radio and television appearances by concert perform ers and th e Conservatory li­ brarian not only advertised the concert, but also promoted and publicized the library. Additional exposure was obtained at the concert, where four display cases highlighted the Conservatory Library collections, and handouts about the library were distributed. “Encore ‘88” was a great success. An audience of over 200 people attended, and the L ibrary received over $600. T he program an d perform ers w ere given rave reviews, and most im portantly, enthusi­ asm was generated for “Encore ‘89.” W ord will spread concerning future concerts which should become better attended over the years. The ap­ pearance of a “big name” alumnus would also in­ crease ticket sales significantly. In retrospect, the money raised may not seem to justify the hours of preparation, b u t there are sev­ eral benefits other th an financial. The Conserva­ tory Library received considerable exposure and publicity which is always welcome, and could pay future dividends. The relationship between the Li­ brary, Conservatory, and Development Office was strengthened through this experience. The Con­ servatory benefited by h ig h lig h tin g impressive alumni who can be the school’s best advertising. Alumni were given an opportunity to perform at their alm a m ater, gain exposure, and convincingly demonstrate the value of their education. A new audience, largely draw n from the community, was introduced to the Conservatory and its m any offer­ ings. Only in retrospect was it realized how many people had benefited from this concert. Plans are being m ade for “Encore ‘89.” A newly- established Encore Concert Com m ittee, consisting of the Conservatory librarian along w ith represent­ atives from the University Development Office, the Conservatory’s Publicity and Stage Manage­ m ent Offices, and the Conservatory Alumni Asso­ ciation, will oversee the organization of the next concert w ith hopes of smoothing out details. A cal­ endar tim etable will be created so th at each year’s committee is certain of all deadlines. The Conserv­ atory’s Library Committee will continue to assist in obtaining performers and assembling the program . Only w ith this university-w ide cooperation can these concerts become a reality. W hile music librarians should consider estab­ lishing such a concert, librarians in other disci­ plines can also involve their faculty in fundraising events. D epartm ents in any of the perform ing arts possess obvious possibilities. But w h at about de­ partm ents not norm ally associated w ith raising money at public events? There could certainly be a poetry reading presented by the English depart­ m ent, an art exhibit given by the a rt departm ent, or a financial advising workshop sponsored by the business departm ent. Well-known speakers in any subject can generate interest and raise significant funds. Such a speaker could be an alumnus or just a friend of the library and university. There is no denying th at fundraising events take detailed planning, require large amounts of time, and can cause several headaches. But librarians should not underestim ate the positive image of li­ braries in the minds of faculty as well as the general public. D uring the initial planning of “Encore ‘8 8 ,” it was u n c e rta in w h e th e r th e necessary university-wide support would be received. In dis­ belief, a music professor stated emphatically that anyone not supporting the library and this concert would surely be opposed to the flag and apple pie. Sympathetic supporters are probably out there, but it is a librarian’s responsibility to tap this re­ source through his or her own initiative. Fundrais­ ing through a concert or other event will take con­ sid erab le e ffo rt an d c re a tiv ity , b u t its m any rewards can make it all worthwhile. Merchandising library services B y L u e lla B o s m a n T e u to n Coordinator, Library Services South Florida C om m unity College Returning to the library profession after eight years in the business world has given me a new per­ spective. Librarians tend to look on our professions as service-oriented only, forgetting th at we must also promote and “sell” our product. W ith funds being cut at m any colleges and universities, librari­ ans must be constantly dem onstrating the value of lib rary facilities and services. In the business world, if the public is not convinced of a product’s w orth they will not buy it. The end product in li­ brary services is not always visible to adm inistra­ tors. The services provided by libraries are often