It's no secret that the State of Washington is experiencing hard times. Washington libraries of all types and sizes, including the Washington State Library, will be affected by shrinking state and local dollars. This post kicks off a series, "Washington Libraries in Hard Times," through which we hope to illustrate how Washington libraries are coping with, adjusting to, and perhaps even thriving during tough economic situations. Along the way, we'd like to have your comments and examples. We also plan to provide resources. Through conversation we may be able to help each other along the way.

Web Junction has a community group, Tough Times http://www.webjunction.org/toughtimes. The group includes documents and discussion. Any registered user can join the group - registration is free and easy. Be sure to affiliate with "Washington" as your state. This will also allow you to take courses free thanks to the annual membership paid by the Washington State Library.

Also take a look at the Focus on Libraries in Tough Economic Times document http://www.webjunction.org/budget-finance/articles/content/30406184. You'll find courses, webinars, documents, and discussions under the topics of "Funding and Tight Budgets," "Demonstrating Impact," "Meeting Patron Needs," "Planning & Partnerships for Change," and "Staff Training & Development." There is also a webinar of town hall sessions at http://www.webjunction.org/community-webinars/articles/content/32574912.

Another resource is the American Library Association's Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit - part of its Advocacy University http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/advocacy/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/index.cfm.

Finally, something we all know. When the economy goes sour use of libraries increases. A story in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, January 15, 2009, documents this phenomenon, but also notes that staff may be stressed by crowds and cutbacks. Folks are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123197709459483585.html?mod=article-outset-box.

I've had my say - now I'd like to hear from you.

Rand Simmons
Programs Manager for Library Development
Washington State Library