Obtain support from library administration, in particular, the university librarian.
Establish a liaison position in the library with specific time designated for Friends' activities.
Select a steering committee of concerned persons from the alumni, faculty, student body, university community and library administration. Include a liaison wit the development office. It is important to have access to the institution's legal office, PR and advertising talent, and high-profile leaders.
Define your dues structure, membership categories.
Clarify tax status of Friends groups or of the parent institution so that when you collect dues they will be deductible by the member.
Define the mission to be fulfiled by the Friends, and develop a constitution
and bylaws reflecting this mission.
Discuss with library administration, what assistance the institution will provide i.e. office space, printing, professional assistance.
Decide on membership brochure, artwork, and how you will reproduce and
distribute brochure, and who will pay.
Begin publicity campaign. Be sure to involve university public relations and development offices, the alumni office and local media.
Decide on a tentative schedule for the first year, in order to involve new members on committees as soon as they join.
Set date for opening meeting. Plan the programme carefully. Have a brief agenda for first annual meeting, perhaps with guest speaker.
Develop a long-range plan for Friends. Re- evaluate it periodically.
When fundraising becomes feasible; develop a campaign and set goals.
