The institutional library committee, part I: a tool for garnering support

Purpose – This article's purpose is to explain the usefulness of the institutional library committee in supporting the library director's vision for the library. Design/methodology/approach – The article describes the function and makeup of an institutional library committee and then discusses how the director can use his/her influence on the committee to garner support for library initiatives. Findings – The article finds that the library director has influence on such a committee regardless of his/her position on the committee. Practical implications – This committee provides a unique channel of influence for educating on and advancing library issues. Social implications – This committee can be a great source of support for the library and its staff. Originality/value – The value of the article is in showing how to get the most out of this committee.