Know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em

Abstract

Forming relationships with donors can lead to many positive and beneficial outcomes for academic libraries. New collections and funds raised help to support institutional priorities and ultimately benefit our faculty and students. However, sometimes these negotiations necessitate that the practitioner walk away, if the donor’s interests do not align with the library’s. A productive partnership between the practitioner and their development officer becomes key to navigating such situations successfully. This article presents three case studies that highlight how practitioners can leverage this important partnership in support of their work.