Simplifying Library Value for Non-Library Development Officers and Staff

Abstract

With the rise of evidenced based budgeting the need for nontechnical illustration has become increasingly important for telling the story of library place within the academic community. Because librarians tend to speak their own language; how do you translate librarian speak for non-librarians when it comes to discussing library value? During Fall Semester 2014, Auburn University Libraries faculty and staff produced a series of infographics for use during a successful presentation by the libraries’ development officer to other Auburn University development officers and staff. These infographics clearly laid out in non-library jargon the costs and returns on investments for the three major divisions of Humanities; Social Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM).