Michele Reid, dean of libraries, published "Building an Academic Library Fundraising Program 'From Scratch’ ” in the journal, The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances. In the article, Reid advocates for establishing development programs founded on clear goals and priorities tied to strategic planning and resulting in compelling cases for support. She explores various options regarding hiring a professional development officer, suggests team strategies, including fostering a synergistic relationship with development staff, and discusses the importance of building a donor base prior to successful fundraising rooted in customer service, outreach and marketing.
Reid concludes that by starting programs prior to a sustained economic recovery, public university libraries that previously have not established fundraising programs will minimize their disadvantages in competing for donors and alternative funding with institutions that have established fundraising programs.