Friends, real friends and fifth columnists

Abstract

Purpose

Strives to illuminate the types of relationships many libraries have with friends' organizations and to illustrate what makes a good relationship between the two organizations. While many libraries have had successful experiences with such groups, not all relationships have a happy ending.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses real‐life examples to illustrate various ways friends' groups have, and have not, been successful with their relationship with the library, and with their goal to help increase library support.

Findings

If managed successfully, a library's relationship with its friends' group can mean greater library advocacy, more funds available for the library, and success for both organizations.

Originality/value

Noting some of the pitfalls and successes that have occurred in the past, seven key rules are identified for library managers to keep in mind that will help them keep a relationship with a friends' advocacy group from going sour.

Citation

Holt, G.E. (2005), "Friends, real friends and fifth columnists", The Bottom Line, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 36-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880450510582042