The Hangon is a research institute dedicated to the study of traditional manuscripts. During the colonial period, the institute was a philological society made up of foreigners, and the present-day library is the result of the active collecting of the society's scholars during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is regarded as the most important manuscript collection in the country. When the colonial period came to an end, the philological society's members withdrew to their native land, but to this day the society maintains a continuing relationship with the Hangon Institute, which provides access to its collections for visiting scholars from overseas.

The problem
The government has begun final planning for a new building for the Hangon Institute, and the library director has indicated that space should be set aside for a conservation facility. The government has agreed to provide the space but refused to support the high cost of conservation equipment and furniture. The building is slated for occupation in two years. What strategy can the library director use to secure funding for the conservation effort?

Possible solution
The Hangon Institute has an opportunity to organize a funding campaign for the conservation facility during its planning and construction. The institute can amply demonstrate that the new building represents a substantial effort on the part of the government to preserve unique research collections. Possibly with the active support of the overseas philological society, a campaign could be launched that would seek private and institutional donations, as well as contributions from funding agencies.

The target amount should be clearly and reasonably demonstrated based on size, projected equipment, and utility costs. Appeals could include requests for funding of specific pieces of expensive equipment.