Cheap Tricks: Innovative Ways to Maximize Resources with

Minimal FundsLeeAnna Mills, NBCT

lmills@tcss.net and

Michelle Wilsonmwilson518@gmail.com

Just the FactsThere will be NO state monies for 09/10Not the first time and probably won’t be the

last!Will have to learn to fundraise and go after

grantsReach out to your community for support

Ideas For YOUJoin Professional Associations and Listservs

AIMA AASL ALA AEA

Learn to use social media as a professional network; it is unlikely anyone will get release time for Professional Development next year.

Ideas for ProgrammingUtilize and publicize the Alabama Virtual

Library (AVL)September is National Library Card MonthOrientation is perfect opportunity to introduce

this wonderful resource to faculty and studentsUse as a collaboration toolGreat opportunity to present to faculty as PDOffer a parent workshop

More Programming IdeasEstablish or continue a partnership with your

local public libraryShare data with AR program and test listsPossible resource for speakers/authorsProgramming opportunities

Create a parent hospitality committee for your library media center

Grandparents’ Day celebration (elementary)

Ideas for PromotionsCenter your programs around books you

already own with no cost incentivesLunch in the LibraryFree homework passesFree time on the computer (supervised)Free or low cost coupons or prizes

Solicit & utilize free stuff from retail establishments, ask in person or use form letter, examples: movie posters, tickets to movies or movie rentals, coupons for food

Ideas for LMCEncourage and educate faculty and students

not to print unless necessaryBe the place to collect paper to be recycled

and reuseWipe printer cartridges with baby wipes to

extend lifeRecycle folders – can be used to make “tent”

signs Enlist students to help by “Adopting Shelves”,

place sign with their name and they are responsible for keeping that shelf or area in order

More Ideas for LMCMake a wish list for LMC and post on

webpage and in newslettersUse inexpensive plastic picture frames for

signsUse extra Scrapbooking materials for signs,

displays and posters…better yet, seek parent volunteers for this!

Digital picture frames are great way to post information and photos of library happenings

Repair books instead of replacing them

OpportunitiesRethink your focus or goals?Use this year to really clean up your

collection!Possibly begin new support programs for the

LMCFriends of the LibrarySolicit donations of good used books and those

you cannot use could be part of sale or giveaway program

Become an advocate and begin to build parental and student support by informing everyone that we have no money this year!

Helpful LinksAIMA – www.alaima.orgALA – www.ala.org

Advocacy http://capwiz.com/ala/home/State of Alabama :

http://www.legislature.state.al.us/Listserves: LM_NET, ALMO and AIMAGreat website to explore:

http://www.librarysupportstaff.com/4schools.html#displays