Library Project Funding: A Guide to Planning and Writing Proposals

Citation

Fourie, I. (2008), "Library Project Funding: A Guide to Planning and Writing Proposals", Online Information Review, Vol. 32 No. 5, pp. 692-693. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520810914089

Library Project Funding is an excellent contribution to the bookshelves of practicing LIS professionals, academics and researchers. Although the title focuses on libraries, the work will also be of value for proposal writing and grant applications in other fields.

The book is written in a clear and capturing style. The discussion flows logically, and the reader is keen to turn to the next page. From the perspective of the book serving as a guide/instruction manual to plan and write proposals, one is never in doubt about the meaning of the text or why the author included it – all qualities that can support interest in grant application and competence in planning and writing these.

The content of Library Project Funding takes the reader step‐by‐step through the meaning and purpose of projects and proposals, as well as the phases and requirements. In ten chapters Julie Carpenter explains the meaning of a project and value of external funding; defining and testing the project idea; matching the project ideas to funding opportunities; building partnerships; assembling evidence in support of the proposal; setting project aims; objectives and outcomes; project planning; project planning techniques and tools; monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment, as well as the writing of effective project proposals. Although the focus is on external funding (with a strong UK and European Union focus), the principles should also apply to internal funding applications. Excellent examples are provided on grant applications in different phases such as the definition phase, opportunities for grants, calls for application, funding organisations arranged according to field, gaining and managing partnerships, communication among partners, and setting and justifying objectives. There are also numerous useful checklists –, e.g. on deciding when to call on the help of other people to refine the proposal idea and on deciding whether an idea is effective. There is also a very short section on methods for data collection such as questionnaires and focus group interviews, as well as on the actual writing of a proposal. Although it is not necessary to deal with data collection methods in more detail, it would add much value for the reader if the author included a few references to books offering practical guidelines on a selection of such methods.

This work is highly recommended as essential reading for all LIS professionals facing any need to apply for funding. I believe it should also be brought to the attention of LIS students. Julie Carpenter can be congratulated with an excellent contribution to the LIS literature.