The document discusses the concept of digital bookplates as a modern fundraising tool for libraries, which exist virtually and link to catalog records. It outlines the advantages of digital bookplates over traditional methods, including flexibility, reduced staff time, and the ability for donors to view their contributions online. Additionally, it raises considerations for libraries looking to implement such programs, including design options, integration with current initiatives, and potential uses for fundraising.

1. Digital Bookplates
Potential Fundraiser for the Public Library
Angela Pierpaoli
Technology Support Librarian
Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
pierpaolia@buffalolib.org
Presented July, 2014

2. What is a Digital Bookplate?
“Unlike traditional
bookplates, digital
bookplates exist
virtually and are
linked to library
catalog records”
(Foster/Robinson).

3. Who currently has digital bookplate
programs?
A: Academic Libraries
 Brown University
 Davidson College
 Harvard College Library
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library
 University of Florida Libraries
 Western Libraries

4. Why Digital Bookplates?
 Flexible fundraising platform for a digital
world.
 Less staff time than traditional print-based
bookplate program.
 “Green”
 Bookplates can be associated with all types
and formats of materials, not just books.
 Donors can view their bookplate, or list of
materials purchased with their donation,
without having to come in to the Library to
find a particular item.
 Bookplates do not have to be physically
added to rare or valuable materials.

5. To Consider Before Starting a Digital
Bookplate Program
 If the digital bookplate program will be handled
separately or integrated into the Library’s current
giving initiatives
 Digital bookplate program web presence
 The creation of virtual donor walls so that all
bookplates can be viewed in one place
 Bookplate designs (customized at higher levels)
 Whether or not to use gift levels, and if so, determine
amounts
 How to add Catalog records
 Electronic/print brochures for digital bookplate
program and donation forms
 Whether or not bookplates can be printed and
possibly framed as a keepsake or gift for the donor

6. Brown University Digital Bookplates Site – Also see Project
Website at http://dl.lib.brown.edu/its/software/bookplates/

7. Davidson College Digital Bookplates Site

8. Harvard College Digital Bookplates Site

9. University of Florida Libraries Digital
Bookplates Site

10. Western Libraries Digital Bookplates Site

11. Bookplate Example - Brown University

12. Bookplate Example - Davidson
College

13. Bookplate Example - Harvard University

14. Bookplate Example - University of
Florida Libraries

15. Bookplate Example- Western Libraries

16. Projects Donor Wall - Western Libraries Special Initiative
Vintage Football Film Digitization Project

17. Projects - Adopt-A-Book Programs -
Smithsonian

18. Catalog Records - Brown University

19. Catalog Records - Western Libraries

20. Catalog Records - University of Florida
Libraries

21. Potential uses for B&ECPL
 Donations of money or materials
 Make part of annual fund
 Honor a loved one or as a memorial
 Bucks for Books Campaign
 Special Collections Donations
 A way to reward or honor current, retiring, or
past staff members
 Fundraising for specific projects
 Adopt-a-Book Programs

22. Helpful Articles
 Foster, Sherry, and
Jennifer Robinson.
"Donor recognition
and cultivation
through the use of
digital bookplates."
Journal of Library
Innovation 3.2
(2012): 43+.
 Carrico, Steven,
Jason Fleming, and
Betsy Simpson.
‘Virtual Bookplates:
Enhancing Donor
Recognition and
Library
Development”.
College and Research
Library News 71.8
(2010):419-423.

23. Helpful PowerPoints and Handouts
 Digital Bookplates:
Using the OPAC
for Stewardship in
the Digital Age
(Brown, 2008)
 Throw Out Those
Paper Bookplates
2.pdf (Western,
2010)
 Western Libraries
Digital Bookplate
Brochure