3 Ways to Budget for Digital Growth In Your Library

March 23, 2017

Last month, we posted about looking to your own community as a resource for bolstering your book budget. This month, we want to revisit the topic of book budgets with our friend and librarians Michelle Griffith. This time, we’ll be looking at how making wise choices digitally can help you stretch your dollars as well. Let’s first take a look at Griffith’s suggestions and how they can play a role in your library’s digital growth.

It’s All About Leverage

Tip 1: First, I negotiate with all vendors. Often times, calling vendors and letting them know “This is the order I am looking to place, but my budget is only ______,” helps tremendously. I have found that most vendors really want to help schools and will work with you.

Tip 2: Be aware of promotions from book companies! Many offer end of school year discounts. If you don’t know about any, call them! Sometimes they will let you know what is coming up and then you can keep your eye out to use your money wisely.

Ensure Equitable Access and Spend Smart

Now, when it comes to being Future Ready, librarians are called on to curate digital resources and tools as well as to make strategic investments in those digital resources. To us, that sounds like hitting two birds with one stone. Let’s take a look at some additional considerations for how you can spend wisely while meeting these future-ready goals.

Look for value by concentrating your spending power on titles that grant your readers access on multiple platforms. For example, all Cantata Learning titles are available through Capstone Interactive. Spending your money on digital products that offer unlimited access across a wide range of devices is one of the best ways to ensure equitable digital access for your students. And taking advantage of Capstone Duos is an easy way to get your favorite titles in both hardcover and Capstone Interactive formats for one low price.

Also look to purchase products that are inclusive of multimedia. Every Cantata Learning title comes with a CD. And anyone can access the downloadable or streaming song files, not just ebook owners. Not only does multimedia expand opportunities for learning, but learning can be shared across a group of students simultaneously, taking their learning experience to another level. Some grants are even awarded specifically for this type of content. So finding one could be a wonderful way to expand your multimedia collection!

This post is the second in a series of Future Ready budget-friendly ideas. Stay tuned for more!