Top+10


 * 1. Know your worth:** Be sure that you know how much money your library receives, as well as any rules or conditions guiding them such as deadlines, expectations, division of funds and so forth.


 * 2.** **Show your worth (Advocacy):** Take a proactive stance, not a reactive stance, to your budget. Ask yourself, "How can I show that the money spent on the library is a good investment? Show evidence!



To develop your advocacy skills, take a look at this blog post: [|Cathy Jo Nelson's Professional Thoughts]. Cathy Jo Nelson is a very strong TL advocate in South Carolina.

When in doubt, think about how spending these dollars with help your students. What impact will that book, video, database, etc. make on student learning? Does this purchase connect back to your school's strategic plan or school library mission statement? How does this item support the curriculum? If you aren't sure, think twice! "The key to any budget in a school is making it clear how those dollars are going to directly affect students and student learning" (Harvey II, 2010, p. 121).
 * 3. Focus on Learning!** Ask yourself, "How can I create an outstanding program on the funds I have?"


 * 4. Know your needs:** Get to know your school library collection and consider priorities based on the collection, school and library program priorities and curriculum. Ask yourself, "What does your program need to have to help our students be successful? Remember to consider all resources, not just books!

You may want to complete a **collection map** to see where there are gaps in your collection. A collection map provides a visiual which allows you to see how many books you have in each section, and how old they are. This information helps you determine areas of need, or possible weeding. With new technology, this process is becoming simpler al the time. For example, Folett Library Resources offers TitleWise on its website for its members, allowing you to receive an 18 page printout of your collection (Toor and Weisburg, 2007, p. 151).

Always keep a "wish list," too! Just in case extra funds roll your way unexpectedly. Cox (2008) suggests, "Keep a list of 'wants and needs' that you can pull out at a moment's notice. When the end of the financial year rolls around, invariably someone has money left. If your administrators know that you have a great list that will provide wonderful new material for students, they are likely to let you spend the money" (pp 24-25).


 * 5. Plan your budget:** Again, this is about being proactive! This is also about making wise and deliberate decisions about your budget! **Plan ahead and prioritize!** Think about your needs and get approximate costs of those items. Be sure to plan for variety of formats in your collection (print, non-print and electronic). Remember to consider that you will have to replace outdated, lost and damaged items, as well, so plan ahead for those. Remember that change takes time so develop a short-term and long-term plan based on your established priorities. For planning tips, check out []

Many school library have annual or semi-annual book fairs which can top up your library budget a little further. Typically, book fair profits are split between the supplier, such as Scholastic, and the school library. An added bonus of book fair funds is the flexibility of the funds: often you can use this money for author visits, specialty items or furnishings, that may not fall under other budget categories.
 * 6. Look for ways to add to your budget:**

Consider applying for grants. Sometimes grants can be time-consuming but can certainly provide a much needed boost to your budget.

Finally, consider alternate sources such as Home and School. For example, one year, Grade 8 students used their "Farewell Gift" money from the Home and School to build a YA section in the school library for next year's students.
 * 7. Keep good records:** Make sure you keep track of your purchases. Develop a system to organize your purchases and receipts. Some teacher-librarians prefer binders, file folders, electronic files, spreadsheets... think about what works for you but be sure to have a system. Be sure to cross reference billing to items when you receive them! For some short tutorials on creating a library budget spreadsheet using GoogleDocs or MS Excel, visit our Tutorials page.


 * 8. Engage your community:** How can administration, teachers, students and other community members have input into the library budget? Do you know what your patrons would like to see in the library, too? Keep a library patron wishlist. Talk to your community. Survey its members, if needed.

9. **Spend wisely: be resourceful and be creative** You can save money if you are resourceful. Can you coordinate with other schools or departments to buy in bulk and save? Does the company offer educational discounts? Can you get a donation of needed items? Free shipping? Is there a wholesaler? Shop around, whenever possible. However, if your division uses a jobber, such as ULS, you may already be receiving discounts, so be aware of any discounts you receive with such jobbers, and expectations for purchasing within your school division.

Ask yourself throughout (and following) each budget process, "What were the most valuable purchases? What do I wish I had reconsidered? And of course, "Why?" What else do I absolutely need?" Time to reflect and assess your budget practice is essential. Don't be afraid to acknolwedge and learn from mistakes. Ask colleagues for feedback.
 * 10. Assess and reflect:**


 * See resources for reference details.