This document discusses the ethical considerations of private funding for public libraries. It provides an overview of the potential benefits and challenges, including strings that may be attached to donations and possible influence on the library's mission. It also addresses the need for libraries to have clear donation and naming policies to guide these relationships transparently and avoid prioritizing private interests over library users and values. A survey found most libraries have not faced ethical dilemmas but some noted issues like patron complaints or disallowed self-published donor materials. The document concludes by offering tips for libraries to cultivate corporate donors while protecting their reputation and independence.

1. No Strings Attached: The Good, the Bad,
and the Ugly of Private Funding
Building relationships between public libraries
and private funding agencies

2. Image courtesy Georgia Archives

3. The Ethical Problem

4. We do not advance private interests at the expense
of library users, colleagues, or employing
institutions.
ALA Code of Ethics, VI

6. What ethical considerations has your library faced?
• 36 of 42 respondents did not encounter or were not aware of any
ethical dilemmas.
• “We only allow gift plates or recognition at the beginning of a
sponsored event (this summer reading program sponsored by...). No
other conditions on the donations are allowed.”
• “Unknown however the ethical part of transparency has been
troublesome in my opinion”
• “Patron complaints”
• “No corporations where relations or personnel are members can
make donations without board or Regional Directors approval” [sic]
• “self published materials”

7. Are there strings attached?
• Shared Values?
• Who Benefits?
• What Are The Benefits?
• In Line With Library Mission?
• Influence?
• Long term effects?

8. The Funding Problem

9. What types of programs or initiatives has your
library funded with corporate donations?

10. 40%
9%11%
2%
7%
2%
29%

11. Have you ever experienced a reduction in funding
from your existing resources after receiving a large
corporate donation?
Yes: 3
No: 51

12. A Closer look
Only 6 respondents identified their organizations as
“Very Successful” in attracting corporate donations.
Of these, 2 stated they experienced a reduction in
other funding following corporate donations.

13. Points to Consider
● Political Environment
● Reputation
● Publicity
● Messaging

14. The Policies

15. Does your library’s donation policy specifically
address any of the following?

16. 19% address corporate
donations
Materials
Cash
In-Kind
Volunteer
Services
Land
Naming
Rights
Corporate
Donations
Other

17. Bare necessities
Donation Policy
Donor Privacy Policy
Confidentiality Policy for
Staff
Donation
Acknowledgement Policy
Image courtesy Stamford Public Library

18. Naming Policy Basics
Process for formalizing the agreement
Morals clause
Opportunities & minimums
How & when gifts are recognized
Sample language for plaques
Payment Schedule
Process for mergers or changes in use
Process for replacement (or disposition)
Image courtesy Middle Georgia Regional Library

19. Motivating Corporate Donors

20. How successful do you feel your library has been in
attracting corporate donations?

21. Unsuccessful
39%
Very Successful
11%
Moderately
Successful
51%

22. Getting to Know You
● How do corporations give?
○ Cash contributions
○ Non-cash contributions
● Why do corporations give?
○ Tax deductions
○ Corporate visibility
○ To be good corporate citizens

23. Getting to Know You
● What can your library offer a corporation to support its goals
& objectives?
● How can your library help a corporation reach new
audiences?
● What services & programs can your library offer a
corporation?
● How much are YOU willing to do?
● Raise awareness through cultivation

24. Thanks!
Alexandra Beswick Central Region Manager, Cobb County Public Library beswicka@cobbcat.org
Cynthia S. Kilby Library Director, Pine Mountain Regional Library System ckilby@pinemtnlibrary.org
Micah Newsome Young Adult Librarian, Columbia County Library mnewsome@columbiacountyga.gov
Denise Funk Decatur Library Coordinator, DeKalb County Public Library funkd@dekalblibrary.org
Jennifer Lautzenheiser Director, Middle Georgia Regional Library lautzenheiserj@bibblib.org
Angela Stanley Director, Georgia HomePLACE Georgia Public Library Service astanley@georgialibraries.org