How to survive the recession as a cultural entrepreneur

Abstract

Cultural entrepreneurship in libraries, museums and other cultural organizations is a dominant trend in the 21st century. The ideas of Pine and Gilmore (1999) about the experience economy were implemented in many libraries all over the world: from Singapore, California to rural towns in the Netherlands. To be successful, libraries cooperate and build strategic alliances with other cultural organizations to develop (new) library services and increase the level of funding. Libraries with a policy of cultural entrepreneurship invested a considerable amount of money in (re)training librarians in the necessary competences for their new role, As well as refurbishing libraries into open-structured, multi-functional places to encourage users to communicate with each other and participate in cultural events. This requires a lot of extra funding. Can libraries uphold their new role as cultural entrepreneur in the next couple of years? A major cut in library funding is expected by many library directors, due to huge budget deficits in many countries, caused by the worldwide recession. Libraries have to show they can make a real contribution to society to guarantee funding in even the most difficult of times. Review the library mission and operating model. Look for new opportunities that will help to survive the deep recession. Pursuing a wider range of possible partners for library services, acquiring income in new ways. Cultural entrepreneurship will make the difference in steering through this difficult times.