Show how indispensable your library is to each of them individually. Use the Friends of the Library and other community library supporters to help promote the library budget and to speak on the library's behalf. Use publicity before and after the budget process. Tell the community what they can expect and what the current funding level will accomplish. Prepare brochures, news-letters, newspaper items, television spots, community meetings, etc. to help with promotion.
Presentation is an essential part of the budget process.
Every trustee must be both ready and willing to meet with local government officials to support, clarify, or defend the proposed budget if need be. Budget presentation is a political negotiation with local officials for each service which is to be provided to the community for the next year. Trustees should recognize that their elected officials face many other competing and persuasive appeals for the limited funds available. Implementation Trustees must fulfill their fiscal responsibilities by being aware of the budget implementation and adhering to the budget plan and policies. Trustees may be asked to contribute specific expertise in fiscal management, but their major role is in planning, budgeting, and securing funds.