8 Survey Results: Executive Summary Because it is difficult to quantify the impact unrestricted gifts have on library services and collections, and even more difficult to connect those services and collections with student success and faculty research, much communication is aimed at anecdotal evidence. Using direct quotes from those who have benefited from the library makes a more compelling argument. And, to borrow a well-worn phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words: photographs of smiling happy undergraduates studying in the library go a long way to illustrate impact. In addition to stories of student success, many libraries run stories on exhibitions, events, and other activities. It was encouraging to see so many development officers puzzling over what types of qualitative measures of library outcomes and performance they would use if they were available. Several specifically mentioned or intimated that they were working with assessment staff to determine how they might draw more direct correlations between what they were doing (e.g., hosting events, soliciting donors) and increased funding. It is especially important to relate these outcomes to the library’s expressed strategic directions. ARL member libraries have released statements affirming their commitment to the core values they all share. In fact, ARL is collecting links to member libraries’ web sites (http://www.arl.org/focus- areas/public-access-policies/federally-funded-research/4225#.WwRcxMlDvcs). However, only 22 of the 50 libraries (44%) responding to the question about intellectual freedom said they explicitly used, described, or discussed in their communication with stakeholders this core principle. As these core values continue to be assaulted, it would be interesting to see if more ARL member libraries began publicly affirming their commitment to these core values several years from now. Interestingly, a much higher percentage (74%) said they explicitly stated their commitment to inclusion and diversity in their communications with stakeholders. Finally, to whom the communications officer reports could have a significant impact on communication with potential donors. Of the 51 libraries that responded to the question about where the communications professional reports, only eight (16%) said the director of communications reported to the library development office. More often communications professionals report to an AUL or deputy director or to the library director. Capital Campaign Fifty libraries (83%) reported that their university or parent institution was recently or currently is in a capital campaign. Forty-five were able to report the amount of their institution’s goal. The average goal was $1.998 billion, with a low of $75 million and a high of more than $6 billion. Twenty respondents reported their university’s campaign had concluded and that they raised just over $1.9 billion, on average. The largest amount raised was $6.4 billion. Of those 20 institutions, all met or exceeded their goal. Forty-three respondents reported on their library’s overall stated goal during the most recent or current capital campaign. On average, the goal was $29 million. The lowest goal was $1 million and the highest was $240 million. While most libraries had a goal of a little over 1% of their institution’s overall goal, the $240M goal of one library represented 10% of their university’s goal. While this might appear daunting, it also reflects the priority of the library to that institution. Because, as we will see, nearly half of the library’s that participated in their university’s capital campaign did not meet their goal, who establishes the library’s capital goal can go a long way in determining success or failure. Of the 44 libraries that responded to this question, half said the library’s goal in the last or current capital campaign was determined jointly between central development or university administration and the library. The other half were split evenly, with half being determined exclusively by the university and half set exclusively by the library. Nine of 49 respondents (18%) said there was a specific distinction in the goals for gifts, pledge payments, and matching gifts, pledges, and gifts in kind expected to be raised during the library’s capital
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