Income Generation in Libraries, Museums and Archives: Developing a Strategy for StoriPowys

This study concerns the investigation into income generation activity in public libraries, museums, and archives worldwide. Findings from the research will be used to inform an income generation strategy for StoriPowys, Powys County Council’s cultural services. A review of academic and professional literature identified successful income generation activities in cultural services worldwide, and explored themes of strategy, sustainability, and the impact of technology. Qualitative research, in the form of semi-structured interviews, was undertaken with a sample of ten participants, purposively selected from supporters of Powys’ libraries and museums. Findings from an inductive, thematic analysis of interview transcripts were used to determine the appetite for, and feasibility of, implementing these fundraising initiatives in Powys. Data analysis generated themes around the protection of core services, ownership, and engagement. Findings indicate that whilst participants were largely supportive of fundraising initiatives, delivery of core services and the service ethos should not be compromised in the process. A desire for public value creation and social return on investment were highlighted as drivers for donor investment, and an emphasis on benefits for communities and localities, cocreation, and collaboration. Additional findings concerned the broad audience base for StoriPowys, and the need to cater to the library customer as well as the museum visitor. A distinction too between the digital-and non-digital audience, as separate markets to target. The importance of communication was apparent, as were themes of transparency and accountability for funds. Based on the findings, recommendations for the development of income generation strategy have been made, in which 4 key objectives have been identified. These include an investigation into options to ringfence earned income; development of a communications and marketing plan; development of a digital strategy; and a workforce development strategy.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mba

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Farr, Nichola

• HJ Cyllid Cyhoeddus
• Z719 Llyfrgelloedd (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3045