This document provides advice for library Friends groups on how to effectively support the library. It suggests that Friends groups should understand their purpose as outlined in founding documents, feel a sense of ownership but not to the point of overstepping their role, and ensure strong participation and advocacy rather than just fundraising. The document also provides tips for libraries on using their physical space strategically and creating an inviting brand identity through design choices. It advises considering a career change when support structures are gone and signs point to it being the right time to leave a position.

1. Survive and Thrive:
Friends, Vendors,
Space and You

2. Show and Tell

3. Start with the
purpose of your
Friends
Research the charter or articles of
incorporation.

4. Feelings of
ownership are great
until they overtake
the actual owner.
Never be absent from a Friends meeting!

5. Friends exist to help
the library
• So why does it often feel like the
opposite??

6. Best case scenario
1. Strong advocates
2. Excitement about services
3. Ownership
4. Participation

7. Worst case scenario
1. Begging for funds
2. One age group represented
3. Exclusivity
4. Lack of fiduciary authority

8. Action to take
• Know what you want to happen
• Start the conversation
• Find a facilitator
• Make it a win-win outcome

9. Case study
• The situation
• The problem
• The solution

10. Who is a Friend?
• The role of HR

11. Vendors
Troll the perimeter of the exhibit floor

12. Ask to speak to the
owner
• Find out their focus.
• Offer to beta test products

13. Their contract is
written for them, not
you
Review carefully and don’t accept
their standard contract if it doesn’t
meet represent your interests.

14. You’re the customer
and you have power.
Negotiate!!!

15. Be careful who
represents you
• Wrong staff like business agents
or tech services can get you the
wrong services and contract
• Make it a team approach

16. The power of space
Glass is your friend, big desks and
stationary furniture are the enemy.

17. The new workplace norm
• Google photo

18. Ryerson (Ontario)University

19. Smart children’s
space
• Don’t underestimate them like
Hallmark does

20. Teen space—really?

21. What should/could
people be doing?
No graffiti
Clean bathrooms
Book security— ask why??
Experiential learning spaces

22. Staff majority doesn’t
rule but they can
participate
• Especially with color selection

23. What is your brand?
How do you feel when you enter?
Anticipatory? Excitement?
Serenity?

24. It’s just a clock,
right?
Push for a unique design
Any decisions should enforce your brand.

25. When is it time to leave?
Your position is not a life sentence!

26. Signs that it’s time

27. Our bodies,
ourselves

28. Your supporters are gone

29. You look back and
no one is there

30. Options
• Sabbatical
• Another profession
• Another position
• Retirement

31. P.S.
• Coping with crying
• And practice, practice, practice

32. Practice until you
can’t get it wrong.

33. More/over to you

34. Photos?
Make sure you have one
before it’s needed.

35. An additional phone call?

36. Thank you!
To paraphrase Hill Street Blues:
“Be great out there!”