Let’s face it, times are tough and libraries often do not get the respect they deserve when it comes to budgets. At the same time, we are trying to see to it that our library has all the resources that it needs to fulfill the student and faculty needs. We have a difficult challenge – to keep the library supplied and fully staffed while dealing with, often significantly, less funding. I can see an increased loss of hair in my near future.
This is where creativity comes in handy. The other day, I heard that a local used book vendor had bought a collection of art books. Our art library is in urgent need of art resources. On a whim, I called the vendor to see if he would be willing to donate some books to the library. Not only was he willing, but he allowed me to hand pick the books that he would donate. I found some real treasures. Granted, some of them were older, but there were some real classics in there as well. In times like these, it is necessary to be proactive and imaginative.
