The inherent importance of a library is measured less in dollars and cents than in the services it provides to its patrons, but sometimes the most important job of a librarian involves understanding and exploring numbers to provide services in the most cost-effective way. Understanding finance and budget techniques can be one of the most important jobs of a librarian. Come explore how to master the art and science of a library budget and get some tips and tricks to help your bottom line!

Schedule

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Registration and Coffee

9:30 - 9:35 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions

9:35 - 10:30 a.m.
Budgeting Essentials
A practical discussion of the budgeting process including legal requirements, how to prepare a budget, timelines and interaction with the Board of Directors. Attendees will be provided with a budget template that can be used in a smaller library or for a fund of a larger library.
Alan D. Panter, CPA, Abraham & Gaffney, PC

10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Break

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dollars & Sense – Budgeting for Interior Improvement Projects
Are you contemplating improvements to your facility but wonder where to start? What are the possibilities? How do you budget for these improvements so you can prioritize what is most important? This program will outline how to identify the variables and budget accordingly and how to manage the process in a cost effective way.
Chris de Bear, Library Design Associates

12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch

12:45 - 1:30 p.m.
Tour of Flint Institute of Arts
The Flint Institute of Arts is the second largest art museum in the State of Michigan and one of the largest museum art schools in the nation. Take a mental break from the sessions and enjoy a guided tour of the exhibitions, collections and highlights of this great institution.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Fundraising Made Simple
Libraries throughout Michigan are facing unprecedented funding challenges. Many have turned to the private, charitable sector to raise funds for popular programs, operational enhancements, and capital expansions. Learn how Michigan libraries have harnessed the power of charitable giving to achieve their goals. This program will include an explanation of the key steps in initiating a successful fundraising effort, methods for involving community volunteers in becoming library advocates, and statewide examples of Michigan libraries that have successfully used fundraising to meet their operational and capital goals.
Keith Hopkins, Hopkins Fundraising Consulting

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Break

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
ABC’s of Grant Seeking
In this session you will see a demonstration of both paid and free grant resources.You will see how to effectively search the Foundation Directory Online Database to get the results you are looking for and learn what to do with those results. We will also explore GrantSpace, a free online resource put out by the Foundation Center. All participants will receive hand-outs that include the presentation, tip sheets and more.
Brenda L. Rodammer, Public Libraries of Saginaw

3:45 p.m.
Adjourn

Registration Rates

Early Bird Rates expire April 25, 2016

*subject to space limitations

In order to qualify for member rates, attendees must hold current individual MLA membership. Organizational membership does not apply. For more information about MLA individual and organizational membership, please visit Membership Value and Benefits.

Resources

Budgeting Essentials Program (pdf)