Using the Power of Storytelling to Shape Your Institution’s Narrative

Abstract

The article discusses how law libraries can leverage their archives and special collections to position themselves as a key contributor to fundraising and alumni development. Successful fundraising reminds law school administration of the value law libraries can add to the organization and further cements the law library’s role in the academic and social fabric of the law school. Archives and special collections can uncover “missing” or “unengaged” alumni by prompting additional conversations via social media, the law school website, and other events. The archives can contribute to donor relations programs by showcasing materials that provide insight to the law school’s mission and vision. The library can use this opportunity to foster stronger relationships with other campus entities, such as student affinity groups, communications staff, information technology staff, and development staff. While this article mentions the experiences of an academic law library, the fundraising strategies proposed in the article may also be used for private law libraries as well.

Keywords: archives, special collections, library, alumni, law library, fundraising, development, collaboration