Libraries

I was rather disappointed with the DSC library when I used it, although that was a good six or seven years ago now. AS you say, there were some old versions of some (not all) of their books, and they tended not to have the most up to date versions of key texts like their grant-making trust directories.

The fact that it was a poky windowless room didn't make working in it any easier. One old PC with Funder Finder software on it also added to the feeling that this was not a cutting edge, well-resourced library.

The Institute of Fundraising's library at its old Vauxhall tower-block home was no better either. No PCs, very few books, and some of the various printed magazines in folders on the shelves - but not in very good order.

Maybe their new offices have a better resource.

I think it says something about such a large sector that it doesn't have a good library for its staff, professionals or members.

Of course there are university, public and other libraries that, like the British Library, give you extensive access to many of the key resources. So perhaps there has never been a need for an easy-to-access physical library for fundraisers and charity staff. But I still long for such a resource, with a librarian available who can direct you to the latest relevant research or publication.

Or does such a library exist and I've not known about it all these years?

Will the new voluntary sector research centres offer a library service?