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Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

Includes information about the Library, Forefront, and LibGuides.

Can't find the answer to your question?

Email general questions to us at Library@myforefront.org. If appropriate, we will add it to our FAQs. Don't worry - we will not include your name if we decided to include it.

About LibGuides

What are LibGuides?

LibGuides are a tool to get you started on your research.  They include links to books and print journals in the Library, as well as our databases.  They also include links to Websites and publications that are freely available online.

Do I need to be a Forefront member to use LibGuides?

You don’t need to be a member, but some content may be for members only.

Can I access LibGuides remotely?

Yes, you can access LibGuides remotely, but you cannot access all the content remotely.  

So how can LibGuides help me?

LibGuides can help you plan how to use the Library before your visit by suggesting resources that best fit your needs.

Are they easy to use?

Yes, everything is organized by tabs along the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IS THE LIBRARY LOCATED?

The Library is located in the FBRK Impact House at 200 West Madison Avenue on the 2nd floor, in Chicago.

 

WHAT ARE THE LIBRARY'S HOURS?

Forefront offices, including the Library, are physically closed for the remainder of 2020. Members can send research requests to member411@myforefront.org. View weekly and monthly hours, including changes to our regular schedule, HERE.

 

DO I NEED TO BE A FOREFRONT MEMBER TO USE THE LIBRARY?

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to use the Library!  You do not need to be a Forefront member.

 

HOW CAN LIBRARIANS HELP ME?

Librarians are available to help you:

  • Learn about the types of resources available to you
  • Learn what types of resources are best for your particular research needs
  • Use databases more skillfully

 

CAN I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A LIBRARIAN?

Information about appointments will be updated once we are physically open in our new location. Thank you for your patience.

 

WHAT IS IN THE LIBRARY'S COLLECTION?

Our collection includes books, periodicals, and digital resources on grantwriting, grantmaking, fundraising, nonprofit management, leadership, governance, and other topics.

 

CAN I CHECK OUT BOOKS?

The Library is non-circulating, so you must look at books in the Library.

 

CAN I ACCESS DATABASES REMOTELY?

Our A-Z LIST includes information about our subscription databases as well as many free tools accessible anywhere.Members have remote access to EBSCO databases, but our prospect research databases are available onsite at the Library only. 

 

CAN I USE MY OWN LAPTOP?

Yes. We are happy to help you access databases on your laptop. Just ask a librarian for help.

 

CAN YOU TEACH ME HOW TO USE DATABASES?

We can get your started on your search, but we recommend that you attend a free Introduction to Prospect Research workshop for an overview before you get started.

 

CAN I BRING MY COLLEGE CLASS TO THE LIBRARY TO LEARN ABOUT RESEARCHING GRANTS FOR NONPROFITS?

Absolutely, but please contact us in advance to schedule a presentation for your class.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PRINT OR COPY?

You can print or copy up to a combined total of 30 pages per day for free.  We encourage you to take advantage of saving your information to a flash drive and emailing documents to yourself.

 

DOES THE LIBRARY HAVE HEADPHONES I CAN BORROW?

We do not lend headphones. Because the public access computers are for research, we ask that you if you supply your own headphones, you limit viewing to videos that are available through the LibGuides or Forefront's Websites.

 

WILL YOU DO RESEARCH FOR MY ORGANIZATION?

Membership benefits include prospect and best practices reference services by the Library's team.  Members can email reference questions to us at member411@myforefront.org.

 

ARE THERE TYPES OF QUESTIONS THE LIBRARIANS DO NOT ANSWER OR SERVICES THEY DO NOT PROVIDE?

The librarians generally do not provide the following:

  • Proposal writing advice or critiques, although we can direct you to resources that may help.
  • Funding research or database searching for you, although we are happy to assist you in learning how to use our resources.  We do conduct research for our members.
  • Appointments for people who want to know “what’s out there” to fit a program to any available grant.
  • Reference services to or appointments with for-profit enterprises.  Our resources are focused on nonprofits and philanthropy.
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