LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR FUNERAL HOMES, CEMETERIES, CREMATORIES AND SUPPLIERS

I haven’t worked in a library since 2005, but I still call myself a librarian—even after serving as CANA’s Executive Director for ten years. That’s because librarians do much more than fine you for that overdue book and shush noisy patrons. As the American Library Association puts it, “In their work, librarians research, instruct, and connect people to technology... Librarians work with people of all ages, connecting them to information, learning and the community.” 

As CANA’s Executive Director (and behind-the-scenes librarian), I conduct research and library tasks nearly every workday, because cremation professionals are curious people who are eager to learn and make data-driven decisions. In fact, CANA’s commitment to research – which then helps businesses and our profession advance – is one of my favorites among the CANA projects and benefits we provide. I know CANA members rely on our association to publish timely and practical content, and we will continue to do so, but I also encourage you discover the many ways your local public library can help you, too.

When was the last time you visited your public library? Story time for your child or grandchild? To visit a book sale? Use the restroom? Maybe never? I admit that it’s been a while since I’ve been to a library (pandemic notwithstanding), but I use my library online to borrow e-books and magazines and to access databases for personal and CANA use.

Public libraries offer a wide range of services to the business community, from meeting space to direct mailing lists, free technology and training classes. The Urban Libraries Council estimates that in 2021, a pandemic year during which many libraries offered limited or virtual services, the actual value of library services to entrepreneurs and small business owners ranged from $815,000 for Greensboro Public Library in North Carolina to $1.38 million in Spokane, Washington. That cost includes what the library provides for free that people would have to pay to own or use, like the makerspace (e.g., 3D printers and digital design equipment) and training programs—or even just a computer with internet access.
​
Libraries can be a treasure trove of business resources for you and your employees. So, here’s this librarian’s quick look at making the most of these free resources for your business.

how do i access my library?

This is an important first step to take advantage of a library’s many resources, even though several drop-in programs (and the restroom) can be accessed just by walking in the door. You can always get a library card by visiting your library, and often you can start the process online. Sometimes libraries offer library cards to businesses, so if you live in a different community than your business, you can expand the resources you can access. ​

what will i find there?

When you think public library, you likely imagine books on shelves, but the resources most helpful to your professional needs are likely online. If you visit your library’s website you can see what they have to offer your business and employees. Here are some examples of resources you may find:

​ACCESS

Saw a link to an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal or Harvard Business Review on LinkedIn but ran into a pay wall? Your library might have a subscription. Log in to the library website and access thousands of magazine and journal databases.

You can find a whole range of other publications, too. Go to the library’s website and locate Research Databases, then explore the Business category and see what’s trending for businesses today.

INFORMATION

Need local lists of residents, local census data or other data to conduct your market research, create mailing lists, or produce competitor reports? Look at the library’s resources online, but also call the reference librarian. This kind of custom research may require some effort, but the time invested will pay off with information that cuts straight to your business and your community.

EDUCATION

Seeking education on new technologies or business topics? Libraries often provide free access to online learning through different providers like LinkedIn Learning. This can be great for general skills like management, marketing, and data analysis.

GUIDANCE

Starting a new business or planning an expansion? You need a business plan and will find handbooks and guides at the library. Your librarian can be a great help here, too, to help you identify and focus on the type of growth you want to achieve and the challenges you can face.

MENTORS

Libraries are a frequent physical home to the numerous Small Business Development Centers  across the US. These centers also collaborate with other organizations such as the US Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, and the local economic development office to provide mentoring or trainings in the library meetings rooms or auditoriums. And these resources can be valuable even if you can’t find them at your local library!

​BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

Robert sipped his first cup of coffee of the day and scrolled through his LinkedIn feed. No death calls had come in during the night so he slept a solid six hours and was feeling great. A few moments later, he saw a notification from his mortuary school buddy, John:

MEETING SPACES

Libraries offer community meeting space. This could be an ideal location to host grief support groups or educational programs on cremation or other topics. Libraries typically prohibit use of their space for sales, so preneed programs may not be supported, but these spaces are wired for technology and available at low or no cost.

GRIEF RESOURCES

Refer families to the library to access grief resources. Consider donating quality grief materials in coordination with the library staff. Libraries have limited resources and expertise in house, so this could be a mutually beneficial community partnership. Ensure access to quality materials, while securing a tax deduction and recognition in library newsletters.

GENEALOGY RESOURCES

Libraries attract genealogy buffs almost as much as cemeteries do. Offer information about your cemetery and local history to the genealogy collection. If a genealogy group meets at the library, offer your services as a speaker.

RELIABLE WIFI

On the road and need wifi? Starbucks may have your cold brew along with wifi, but your public library is a great option as well (and some actually offer coffee, too).

​BOOKS

Want to read the latest management book or bestseller? Sure, you can purchase it at the airport bookstore, but you can also download it through the library app before stepping on the plane to enjoy that well-deserved vacation.

your tax dollars at work

A few dollars of your tax payments go to fund public libraries, so why not make the most of it? Also, did you know that federal funding of public libraries is distributed based on library card holders? Simply getting your library card supports funding for your library and your community.

---

Barbara takes the CANA Convention stage this August to show just how much she loves research by facilitating not one but two sessions on new research from CANA. In Cremation Trends Part 1: Statistics and Business Diversification, sponsored by The Wilbert Group, we’ll look at the profession’s response to cremation trends, excess deaths and how businesses are diversifying through the addition of pet cremation—all with expert insights from leaders across the profession.

Then, in Cremation Trends Part 2: Cremation Memorialization, sponsored by Columbarium by Design, Barbara introduces the results of brand-new cremation memorialization research. Delving into the motivations for people keeping their human and pet cremated remains in homes throughout the US and Canada, she’ll facilitate a discussion with leaders on the results of this study and what it means for cremation memorialization today and in the future. Register to see this can’t-miss research: goCANA.org/CANA22
​
CANA Members can access the full Annual Statistics Report in the latest issue of The Cremationist. The next issue will cover key takeaways from the brand-new memorialization research, so stay tuned! Not a member? Consider joining your business to access tools, techniques, statistics, and advice to help you understand how to grow the range of services and products you can offer – only $495

---

Barbara Kemmis, CAE is Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America, where she promotes all things cremation through member programs, education and strategic partnerships. After more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, Barbara knows that bringing people together to advance common goals is not only fun, but the most effective strategy to get things done.
​
Barbara has served two prior professions as the Director of Member Services at the American Theological Library Association and Vice President of Library and Nonprofit Services at the Donors Forum (now Forefront). Barbara earned a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College. In 2021, Barbara earned the Certified Association Executive credential in recognition for her expertise and experience.