As a noun, a Gaebler is a person who is able to succeed even though the odds are against him or her. I think you could say that handicapped athletes are Gaeblers; or cancer survivors, or even premature babies. But you can also use the term as a verb: it means to persevere and succeed especially when others don’t think you can. Gaebler not only personifies the plight of the underdog, but is also used to denote action!
So how does Gaebling relate to rural librarianship?
In your small or rural community what do you think your odds of survival are? Is your library able to go the distance and face the years ahead financially and technologically? Have you secured the hearts of your residents through an emotional connection with your staff, your services and your story? Do you have the attention and dedication of the influentials in your community who can provide and promote necessities for your continued existence?
As a librarian, if you’re not Gaebling, the answer to all of the above is “No,” and your odds of survival are less than none.
What you need is direction for getting personal.
Do you know that philanthropy giving has increased every year by 6 or 7%? Do you know that 82% of all philanthropy is given by individuals? And that traditionally, library donors are usually older people? Do you know that the largest challenge to fundraising success is negativity or fear? And that effective advocacy is the heart of fundraising?
So how do you stay in business?
The first rule for creating a successful campaign is to create an idea in which you believe. Nobody wants to support a looser, so the Gaebler needs to create a strong and consistent personality for his/her library through the staff and the services. Part of the objective should be to create a fundraising staff within your library and promote fundraising programs which are always in line with your community needs. Your library services should adapt to the relevant needs and interests of your community, and your staff must be approachable, reasonable and supporting.
Fundraising is a science.
Because the flavor of your board has the potential to make or break your library, recruit members who know former elected officials; who are not necessarily book lovers, but rather, movers and shakers; not necessarily library users, but Civic minded influential, philanthropic individuals.
Make sure you focus on retaining loyalty.
Individualize your membership campaigns. Become personal with your donors through personal contact; personal letters; telephone follow-up; end of year gifts; donor recognition events, lunches, etc. Because like attracts like and strengthens your position, use your givers to recruit others.
As a Gaebler, your stand should be strategic, persistent and unique. If you’re going after a foundation, focus on projects which align with the organization’s interests. If you’re going after a family foundation, focus locally and if you’re going after an individual, use personal recognition to create a strong partnership.
Fundraising is an art.
Giving is a personal commitment. Invite donors by playing to your strengths with fresh ideas. Create a compelling case through specific goals and a strong staff. Your proven strategy should include:
Identifying donors
Cultivating relationships with them
Soliciting them
Stewarding them
A Gaebler is no whiner. To survive, your small or rural library must nurture relationships to create your very own advocacy champions. So, create a high personal relevance factor for your library within your community.
Be a Gaebler Librarian and survive against the odds!
Image: beinglatino.wordpress.com
