How Murray State University libraries took advantage of recession : Practical value‐added information service provision with minimum funding

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the strategic gains available to a library director under budget stress, using a combination of partnerships and service innovations. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and recommendation. Findings – Some see a glass half full; others see a glass half empty. This case study shows how to seize strategic advantage from a depleted budget, and win friends at the same time. It seems impossible to contemplate funding the building of a new library, but at Murray State University (MSU) this was done. The planning of a “learning commons” included all the stakeholders. A marketing campaign accompanied by strategically important alliances swayed the Regents. These alliances firmly fix the library at the center of MSU's strategy. Practical implications – The review highlights the specific actions and strategic moves that a librarian can initiate to transform the library's strategic position. Social implications – Library users will benefit from better service levels and wider accessibility using remote access and other new features. Originality/value – This review reveals in a few sentences exactly what Murray achieved, and how it was done, so the busy manager can decide its relevance