The answer lies primarily in garnering community support and the local governing body's cooperation. At the same time, library staff can apply for state technology grants, pursue funding from foundations, private companies and individual donors. Track record When seeking additional funds, grants or gifts, library officials should be prepared to provide information about their operations, budget, staffing, current funding level and the number of library users. Information that shows a proven record of accountability and service to the community improves the chances of obtaining funding for upgrades to a library's computer system. Library data can be gathered in several ways.
Most libraries monitor patron participation and interests.
Many keep logs that list their services so patrons can indicate the types of services they need. Libraries also can develop surveys to measure patrons' interests in different types of reading material, reference books, the Internet and other services. Librarians who monitor customer complaints and regularly document requests for unavailable services are in a better position to demonstrate the need for additional financial support. Most libraries keep records of the number of reference questions they receive, the number of books in circulation, the number of registered library card holders and the number of participants in the various library programs. Libraries that are members of one of the state's 10 public library systems are already required to report much of this information as a condition of membership.