2008 Volume 58 Issue 10 Pages 486-491
Most Japanese libraries depend on financial aid from the parent organization. However, the recent economic downturn obliges libraries to reduce their budgets including material and staff costs. Few libraries have explored the alternative funding sources to cope with the serious financial situation. In order to provide a variety of services, fundraising must be an important issue to secure the additional revenues. Together with library friends groups and library foundations, American libraries have made a considerable effort for raising funds from individuals and foundations. Since online donation using Internet was introduced in late 1990s, library fundraising has been more competitive. This article reviews the recent trends of fundraising effort in American libraries and considers the possibility of fundraising for Japanese libraries.