This document outlines the process of starting a library fundraising program from scratch at Kent State University over 30 months. It began with few formal donors but enthusiastic new leadership. Challenges included the legacy of the 1970 shootings and metrics not designed for libraries. The program gained momentum through student recognition events, collaborations across campus, and developing advocates. Key lessons were to focus on engagement over funds initially, infiltrate communities, and find collaborative opportunities. The program grew from few donors to establishing recognition societies, scholarships, and advisory councils through perseverance and teamwork.

1. From Zero to Friend-Making
in 30 Months:
Starting a Library Fundraising
Program from Scratch
Kenneth Burhanna, Assistant Dean for Engagement & Outreach
Karen Hillman, Director of Marketing, Communications & PR
Kent State University Libraries
20 April 2015

2. The Beginning of Our Story

3. Kent State University

4. Enrollment:
41,213 –
8 Campuses
29,477 –
Kent Campus

5. The Beginning of Our Story

6. University Library

8. Challenges & Opportunities

9. Challenges & Opportunities
1. Very few formal friends, but Libraries
well regarded with enthusiastic new
leadership.
2. Legacy of May 4 1970 has long
challenged Special Collections &
Archives, as they built the preeminent
collection on the event.

10. New Leadership

11. THE BRAND

12. Weeding for Student Space
The Fab Fourth Floor

13. Recognizing Students
EMBRACE RECOGNITION EVENT

14. Student Events
Stress Free Zone

15. Student Events
Late Nite at the Library

16. False Starts and Mixed ResultsROBIN, MY BOY, THIS
IS GOING TO REQUIRE
OUR UTMOST PATIENCE!

17. Reorganizing
Investing in People

18. Challenges & Opportunities
3. The metrics of our institutional
advancement office did not work for the
Libraries. By going our own way, we freed
ourselves to pursue friends and build a
foundation for future fundraising.

19. Challenges & Opportunities

20. Challenges & Opportunities
4. Creating buy-in is difficult, especially
with faculty members in the library.
But it is the right thing to pursue, as
faculty and staff can be our most
passionate and best placed advocates.

21. Challenges & Opportunities

22. Picking Up Speed

23. Making Progress, Making Friends
University Libraries National Advisory Council

24. Making Progress, Making Friends
Create a Student Organization

25. Making Progress, Making Friends
Student Scholarship Program

26. Making Progress, Making Friends
PAGETURNERS

27. Making Progress, Making Friends
Friendly Faces

28. Model - Collaboration
EHHS Emeritus Faculty Donor Reception

29. Model - Collaboration
Collaboration – Athletics

30. Model - Collaboration
Scholarship Dinner

31. Model – Business Community
Chamber Business After Hours

32. Model – Alumni Archives
Alumni Event- Black Student Life in the 60’s

33. Model - Recognition
Partnerships

34. Model - Advocates
Advocates

35. Our Best Practices
Student Recognition

36. Model - Presence
Library Mascot

37. Model - Gratitude
Thank you’s

38. Tips & Lessons Learned

39. Tips & Lessons Learned
1. Think friends, not funds to start.
2. Friend-making starts with engagement.
3. Infiltrate your communities.
4. Get top down buy-in and support.
5. Build internal buy-in.
6. Find ways to contribute to the advancement initiatives
of others.
7. Look for collaborative opportunities.
8. Develop goals no one can argue with.
9. Develop tangible goals.
10.Build a support network (mentors, guides).

40. Thank you
Our Team

41. Questions
Kenneth Burhanna
kburhann@kent.edu
Karen Hillman
khillma1@kent.edu