Teaching Library Budgets to Outsiders: How Library Budgets Benefit All

Library budgets can be complex and diverse. From book purchases to salaries to databases, budgets span into various divisions that require expertise and knowledge. But what outsiders often don’t realize is how impactful budget decisions are. Chronically underfunded, stakeholders and administrators have little understanding of what funds go towards and how it benefits the entire community. When budget cuts are decided, only after are implications realized such as cuts to children’s programming or even operating hours. This webinar will teach you the complexities of library budgets, how budgets translate into action, educating outsiders to understand budget implications in practical terms, and how to resist proposed budget cuts rather than accepting them.

Attendees will learn to:
• Define library complex budgets
• Translate budget decisions into services and programs
• Use persuasion and advocacy techniques in communicating with decision makers

Presenter: Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services Librarian and Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.

The recording and handouts will be available on Niche Academy after the live event as well as our library of over 700 recorded sessions. To access Niche, go to: https://my.nicheacademy.com/floridalibrarywebinars

Register here via Zoom for the live event or through the link below.