Success factors in obtaining funds for new public library buildings : a case study of the Wellington, Palmerston North and Hamilton public libraries

Abstract

A case study of the Hamilton, Wellington and Palmerston North Public Libraries has never been undertaken before to determine what the success factors were in gaining new public library buildings This research project highlights the common patterns that occurred in their experiences, and could give library directors in need of new buildings pointers as to what arguments or actions to use. Because of the quantitative nature of the data sought, interviews were undertaken with the five key people at each centre: the Library Director, the Architect, the Mayor, the City Manager and the Chairperson of the Library Committee, backed up by consultation of the councils' correspondence files for the time in question. Results show that the three key factors can be grouped under the headings of either funding/money, council objectives or people, and the way these factors interrelate leads to either success or lengthy delays.