Q: Please introduce yourself and share your role at UBC Library.
Elaine Fung:
Our team is here to support all aspects of fundraising—from gift processing and strategic brainstorming to partnering closely with prospective donors.
As Senior Director of Library Development & Alumni Engagement, I lead the execution of the Development strategy for the UBC Library, and advise the Library’s senior leadership team on donor engagement and development strategy. I also work closely with the Library teams to provide strategic support for fundraising projects, and identify new development opportunities. I liaise with UBC’s DAE (Development, Alumni and Engagement) team to align fundraising initiatives with the Library’s strategic goals and objectives. Last but not least, I build meaningful relationships with donors, and secure support for library projects.
Fiona Li:
As a Development Officer, I lead mid-level giving initiatives and provide strategic guidance on gift policy, including both gift-in-kind and cash contributions. I’ve worked closely with teams across the Library, particularly the conservation unit, on the preservation and fundraising efforts for East Asian rare book collections.
Sua Hong:
As a Development Coordinator, I support new unit initiatives that advance UBC’s strategic plan by helping plan and refine fundraising processes. I maintain our donor-alumni database to process gifts, pledges, and receipts, and to produce analytical reports for our unit. I oversee donor recognition, acknowledgment, and stewardship programs, and handle any related duties as needed.
Q: What kind of projects are you involved in?
Elaine:
We just finished the George Bowering Collection and Reading Room in Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) project, and are working on other projects such as the Digitization Centre, Asian Materials Conservator, Indigenous Initiatives, and many more. If you would like to learn more about these projects, or if you have something in mind, please let us know (library.development@ubc.ca). We are happy to share and to learn more!
Sua:
On the administrative side, I’m currently leading the website update project and working towards reintroducing the donor newsletter to enhance engagement and improve donor stewardship. These efforts are crucial in developing strong donor relations while supporting the Library’s ongoing growth and development.
Q: What is the biggest myth that people have about the Library Development Office?
Elaine:
The Development Office is often seen as solely responsible for fundraising and soliciting donations. While fundraising is a key part of its role, the office also focuses on building relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners, advocating for library initiatives, and supporting long-term strategic planning for its growth and impact.
Also, strategy and cultivation take time. It takes an average of eighteen months to cultivate and to bring in a gift. It takes another twelve months for us to steward the donors for our next ask.
Fiona:
Another essential part of our job is to help librarians navigate the process of receiving Gift-in-Kind donations.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about working with the Library Development Office?
Elaine:
Seeing the projects coming together, the opportunity to partner closely with and support the work of our Library, and bridging the librarians’ and donors’ interest.
Fiona:
Every project is unique. I appreciate the opportunity to work with various units and librarians. This process allowed me to understand library operations and the value of the work, not to mention the valuable collections we house.
Sua:
The most rewarding part of working with the LDO team is the opportunity to collaborate with experts across various units and departments in the Library and central DAE. It is rewarding to be part of multiple projects that have a significant educational and community impact and personal and professional growth.