Defining Development
The other day we had a question from a colleague about the difference between Development and Volunteer Services (DVS) and Organizational Development for Metro Library. How can we simply explain the difference? Development and Volunteer Services is about developing financial resources beyond tax dollars in order to help our libraries grow. We also develop relationships through volunteers and the community to support our libraries. Organizational Development is about providing structure and resources to recruit from the outside and shape from the inside a talented and capable workforce that will help us get to where we need to be in alignment with our strategic plan and core values. Different functions with the ultimate goal to grow a great library system for our communities.
DVS is going to be contacting managers requesting just a few minutes at the start of your regular staff meetings to talk a bit more about what we do and answer some questions frequently asked of us: Who are The Friends? What is the Trust? How do people give to the libraries? Where do all the old books go? Why do we work with volunteers? How can we get a grant, funds or materials for our library or department?
Because we want to respect staffing and time, it might take a while to get to everyone – so sit tight, we’ll see you soon! In the meantime, if you have a question please drop us an email or give us a call.
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Comments
Thanks Heather ... I think sometimes we think of DVS, the Friends, and the Trust as those other weird things that operate from our spaces but aren't really connected. Of course they are all totally connected, and just as IT makes our technology work, and Maintenance keeps our buildings running, and Finance and Business ensures that our suppliers (and we) get paid, DVS is responsible for shepherding partnerships and outside dollars to the right places in the right way so that valuable work that the rest of the staff does can keep on happening.