GIFTS TO THE LIBRARY

Library Administrator's Digest, Feb 2005 by Eldred, Heather

Late last year a WVLS survey of area public libraries revealed a wide range of ways to recognize gifts to the library and to honor staff members and trustees for special events and awards. It appears that some libraries don't make any "fuss" about anything while others celebrate everything they can.

From the member libraries that responded to the survey we learn that:

Gifts to the library are often recognized in the following ways:

* press releases ... "Grip and Grin" photos

* in-house display of photos of gifts being given, explanation of the purpose of the gift and identification of donor/s

* handwritten thank-you note to donor/s

* bookplate indicating donor

* a sign in a business donor's office/window/etc. indicating that it is a sponsor of the _____ event

* publish a list of donors annually and distribute it at the library, at library meetings, at Friends meetings, as part of fund-raising campaigns, etc.

* gift/donated book on stand in prominent spot in library

* donor wall or walk

* mention in newsletter

* placement of gift plaque on the piece of equipment, book, etc.

* twice a year article in the newspaper listing items given to the library along with the names of donors

Staff honors, anniversary events, etc., are often recognized in the following ways:

* library has policy to place a book or other material in the library collection to honor trustees that retire or die

* WVLS has a policy of putting money in the Wessler Scholarship Fund in memory of service of any staff member or trustee who dies

* letter of recognition/congratulations from library director

* retirement parties (especially in case of retiring director)

* press releases

* plaque/photo/etc. on library wall listing previous directors

* library director recognizes birthdays, work anniversary dates, holiday events, etc., for staff, board members, municipal officials, volunteers, etc.

* library board occasionally sends thank-you notes/gift certificates to staff members for jobs well done, milestone work anniversaries, etc.

* circulate an envelope with 3'' by 5'' cards (along with a traditional birthday card)

Colleagues, who wish to participate, write nice things, anonymously, on the cards which are then made into two small posters celebrating the honoree ... one card goes in the staff lounge, the other to the birthday person.

* in-house recognition programs where anyone can recognize/honor good stuff done by colleagues ... "stars on chart" type of notice

* in-house anniversaries recognized with small gifts at annual event such as a Christmas breakfast... often purchased with staff association dollars (not tax dollars)

- Heather Eldred in Lamplighter, Wisconsin Valley (WI) Library Service, January 2005