Library funding in a budget‐cut world

Purpose – Given the common theme of budget cuts, one library presents its award‐winning story to provide information to a small community, extended from other common community and state resources. Design/methodology/approach – Explores how this library won the award of being the “Best small library in America”. For those not knowledgeable of the geography of the USA, this winner is found in the most unlikely of places, Alaska, one of only two states not connected to the other 48 states. Given the unique way of approaching library service, one can see how the award was won. Findings – Several methods for living in a world of reduced funds include, thinking out of the proverbial box and doing things different ways; partnerships with organizations and grant institutions; doing events and programs for specific groups and involving the entire community in the process. Originality/value – On being seen as an award‐winning institution, members of the library world often ask, “How did they win and we didn't?” or “How can we replicate the success which that institution is having?” This paper takes those questions and gives the authors a clear picture of how to accomplish success.