Digital BookplatesPotential Fundraiser for the Public Library

Angela PierpaoliTechnology Support Librarian

Buffalo and Erie County Public Librarypierpaolia@buffalolib.org

Presented July, 2014

What is a Digital Bookplate?

“Unlike traditional bookplates, digital bookplates exist virtually and are linked to library catalog records” (Foster/Robinson).

Who currently has digital bookplate programs?

A: Academic Libraries

Brown UniversityDavidson CollegeHarvard College LibraryPrinceton Theological Seminary LibraryUniversity of Florida LibrariesWestern Libraries

Why Digital Bookplates?

Flexible fundraising platform for a digital world.Less staff time than traditional print-based

bookplate program.“Green”Bookplates can be associated with all types and

formats of materials, not just books.Donors can view their bookplate, or list of

materials purchased with their donation, without having to come in to the Library to find a particular item.

Bookplates do not have to be physically added to rare or valuable materials.

To Consider Before Starting a Digital Bookplate Program

If the digital bookplate program will be handled separately or integrated into the Library’s current giving initiatives

Digital bookplate program web presenceThe creation of virtual donor walls so that all bookplates can

be viewed in one placeBookplate designs (customized at higher levels)Whether or not to use gift levels, and if so, determine

amountsHow to add Catalog recordsElectronic/print brochures for digital bookplate program and

donation formsWhether or not bookplates can be printed and possibly

framed as a keepsake or gift for the donor

Brown University Digital Bookplates Site – Also see Project Website at http://dl.lib.brown.edu/its/software/bookplates/

Davidson College Digital Bookplates Site

Harvard College Digital Bookplates Site

University of Florida Libraries Digital Bookplates Site

Western Libraries Digital Bookplates Site

Bookplate Example - Brown University

Bookplate Example - Davidson College

Bookplate Example - Harvard University

Bookplate Example - University of Florida Libraries

Bookplate Example- Western Libraries

Projects Donor Wall - Western Libraries Special InitiativeVintage Football Film Digitization Project

Projects - Adopt-A-Book Programs - Smithsonian

Catalog Records - Brown University

Catalog Records - Western Libraries

Catalog Records - University of Florida Libraries

Potential uses for B&ECPL

Donations of money or materialsMake part of annual fund Honor a loved one or as a memorialBucks for Books CampaignSpecial Collections DonationsA way to reward or honor current, retiring, or

past staff membersFundraising for specific projectsAdopt-a-Book Programs

Helpful Articles

Foster, Sherry, and Jennifer Robinson. "Donor recognition and cultivation through the use of digital bookplates." Journal of Library Innovation 3.2 (2012): 43+.

Carrico, Steven, Jason Fleming, and Betsy Simpson. ‘Virtual Bookplates: Enhancing Donor Recognition and Library Development”. College and Research Library News 71.8 (2010):419-423.

Helpful PowerPoints and Handouts

Digital Bookplates: Using the OPAC for Stewardship in the Digital Age (Brown, 2008)

Throw Out Those Paper Bookplates 2.pdf (Western, 2010)

Western Libraries Digital Bookplate Brochure