When asked what does a library provide, the most common answer will be books. In terms of marketing this is what would normally be called the library's image or "brand". While librarians should not complain about the brand, which has served libraries well over the years, something more should be added to give it depth. What are in books? Entertainment in the way of stories and poetry. Education in the form of information. Both of these elements bring positive changes to a person's life. In this last post of this series, the biggest surprise for readers to find out how libraries not only change lives but also change to the local economy. How? Public libraries across the country have formed specialized collection to serve businesses and entrepreneurs.
It is a natural fit that libraries fill this need. After all most small businesses don't have the time or the money to invest in costly business resource. This is where libraries fill in the gap quite well. From everything from stock performances to forms for filing for a new business. Established businesses can find a valuable asset in a business librarian who can guide the research process or provide the services where information is gathered for the business patron. Entrepreneurs will find that the business collections have databases, journals, and forms that every new business should be aware of in the planning stages of opening a business. Most libraries will provide free meeting rooms, providing a private and professional place to meet with clients. (Some libraries will charge a small fee for using the meeting space, but most often it is cheaper than what is available from hotels or other conference venues.)
In addition to that, libraries offer networking and informative workshops to bring leaders of local business together to share expertise, success stories of opening a business or the pitfalls of business ownership. It is a positive outreach that directly impacts the local economy. Chamber of commerce have taken notice of these types of library services, and will often promote them on their websites. City halls have followed suit to promote the gems in their libraries, as an incentive to lure businesses to open their doors in within the city. This can be quite enticing to perspective homeowners as they see a city growing with new businesses.
Books, databases and workshops are all wonderful but once in awhile some libraries get creative. Social media has taken communications and marketing to a whole new level. The need to get the message out quickly has become the norm of modern business. With that business owners need tools to create web content that will capture the attention of the intended audience. One tool that they may need but do not have the funds for is video equipment or perhaps a green screen. For a mere $80.00 libraries can purchase a green screen which allows users to place any background behind the subjects before the camera. Think of the local weatherman. Everyone sees the map behind him, but in reality if the weatherman were to turn and face the screen all he would see is "green". This provides a polished look to the video, that can be uploaded to a webpage or YouTube in minutes.
Libraries are relevant, now more than ever. If the last three posts have not convinced library deniers, then nothing will. From tracing family roots to bridging the generational gap with teens to providing tools for business development there is indeed something for everyone. It just may be that the deniers don't need services at that this time but eventually there will be something that draws them in and they'll get hooked. Just like everyone else does.
Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2014
Monday, May 6, 2013
Marketing the Library: A Few Things To Bear In Mind
If you are not marketing, you are not communicating. If you are not communicating, the community knows nothing about your library. Interesting thought to ponder for library administrators today. Library directors are not thought of as marketing scholars but then again I don't believe any director, or assistant director ever thought they would have to be the Human Resources chief either. It's all in the vain of going with the what you have versus complaining about what you don't have. Which leads to marketing. Without ever having to take a course in business most librarians can do what comes natural Think about the costumer. Pin point what they like or want. Then always and it is imperative to remember this point. Post it on the office door or on the desk. It is simply this: always communicate the positive.
Whether your library is big, as in a major city's library or small as in rural libraries, all marketing concerns and hurdles are the same. Finding cost effective means to get the message out. Thanks to the digital era, marketing programs and news about the library can be as simple as tweeting about new bestsellers that have arrived to the registration date of Summer reading programs. However, printed library newsletters that are mailed to every resident can still add value when considering that there are still those without an electronic footprint. Or as one patron once said in a library surgery, "getting something in the mail has a personal touch. Its a sign that someone took the extra effort to reach out to the recipient." Communicating to someone is very personal. One can argue that the old fashioned mail to every address is expensive. This is not that case anymore. The United States Postal Service has made it very affordable to mail business promotions to every address for a rate that is almost too good to be true. (check out Every Door Direct Mail at www.usps.com)
As with any business, a library strives or dives by the image it has in the community If the image is negative, then the flow of patrons dwindles down. Which cab lead to losses in state aid. To keep the revenue flowing, all libraries become positive brand promoters. When enticing the taxpayers to visit the library often and offering positive value to the community, the library director has made the community a partner in the library's future. This is not an easy task to do because it is a very delicate balance to achieve. For example, situations can arise where libraries will remains "loyal" to a small portions of the community because this is the group that has always supported the library. This is costly to the library in the sense that they have risked the future of the library. It's good to reward the loyal diehards who always walk into the library. However, if the diehards are demanding that nothing changes, then communicating to entire community is a worthless task and the image of the library as being able to serve only a select few is ingrained in the community. The image of the public library should be that it is there to serve the community. All can agree that the best image of the library is that it is equipped to take on the challenges of the future and use public monies well. The difficulty of small libraries is that with limited funds sometimes it is hard to keep up with the changes. Larger libraries can project that image better. Even if that is the case, a positive image can make the challenges seem invisible.
If a library director can create marketing and communications plans that focuses personal and positive messages. It is also important to remember to be persistent. This is another way of saying be polite when nagging. Consider the local dentists who sends out reminders every six months that it's time for a teeth cleaning. The persistence in getting the patient in doesn't stop there. It is often followed up with a friendly phone call to remind the patient of the need to get their teeth cleaned and how convenient is it that the receptionist can schedule that appointment right now? Libraries don't need to schedule appointments but they do need to get their patrons in the door. An email blast may not be enough to get patrons' attention. It may have to be a combination of methods to motivate them to come to the library. Whatever combination works, it is the libraries' best interest to do use it again and again.
Marketing and communications is not a one size fits all deal. Every library will find a way to reach out in their own way. The key to being successful at this is to always being communicating with your community. Any opportunity to communicate to the public about what the library does and what it can do should not be wasted or overlook. Finally, don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes, failure is the best teacher.
Monday, April 23, 2012
DREAM BIG READ ALL SUMMER LONG
This year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme is Dream Big. Which is very appropriate for libraries all across the country. Seriously, if there were ever a time that libraries needed to dream big, it is now. Too many libraries are experiencing budget cuts, staff layoffs and less hours. Yet this inspiring theme brings librarians back to square one with their young readers and reminds everyone that libraries are the perfect place to dream big dreams. All hope is not lost, so as the strong advocates of reading all summer long, librarians will plan programs that will fill the summer months, but the memories will last long after the little ones are back in school. What should creative libraries do for Dream Big... Read. Well, the ideas are endless but as the theme says, read. That is read further in this blog.
Summer Reading Programs don't always have to go along with the CSLP, but this year's theme is just too wonderful to pass up. This is due in part that all children dream. (Don't let the secret out, but so do some adults.) They dream of hitting a home run in the big league, or becoming a world class ballerina or some just dream of a tree house where everyone in the neighborhood hands out. All dreams are important, whether they are big or small. All paths to dreams and how to make them come true can easily be found in the library. With this in mind it is never too early to think of ways to entice children to participate in the summer long programs. It's as easy as giving them a sneak peak to the summer's events.
One way to give a hint but not spoil the surprise is to place clues around the library to see if children can piece together what the theme is for this year. For example, pictures of night skies, stars, and other items that are related to dreams. Once the children have found the pictures (four or five) have them fill out a form that asks them what they believe all the pictures have in common. If they get it right, the library could provide a small gift such as a sticker, pencil or piece of candy.
Another activity that might take some time, and a little bit of money but it may worth the effort in order to grab children's attention and interest in coming to the library during he summer. Have a craft day before summer where each child could make a dream catcher. Once the dream catchers are made, ask the children if the staff could hang the catchers in the library. Most children will enjoy having their work of art on display. Once the library is decorated, a sign can be placed at the check out desk "Catch your dream at the Library this Summer." If this doesn't generate questions and interest, it would be very surprising.
Last but not least, if a librarian wants to generate a "buzz" simply place the word "Dream" all around the library. Patrons who notice the signs will begin to wonder about the placement of the word in the library. When the questions begin to come, answering them will be as easy as, "stay tuned, it's coming this summer." It's a little bit of sneaky way of getting interest,but it's all in fun.
The purpose of Summer Reading programs is not to fill the days with long reading assignments. (If it were, kids would take off faster than a tornado.) Have fun with the theme. If the librarians are having fun, the children will too. So get a little creative, but by all means get started EARLY. Children are already DREAMING about summer vacation. Why not help them find their dreams a the library!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wordless Picture Books Speak Volumes!
As a great admirer of picture books, the opportunity to enjoy a good wordless book is never passed up. Easy reading? Absolutely! How can this be if there are no words? Good question and the best answer is: the imagination is stimulated to become a tool that can generate words, stories and action. Precisely what picture books demand of their viewers. It's a unique opportunity to collaborate with the author on a story that was meant for just the two of you. How cool is that!
One of the best wordless picture books for 2011 is Barbara Lehman's The Secret Box. It's a wonderful tale about a timeless treasure that is hidden in the attic of an old home. Readers are introduced to the first person to hide the box in the first few pages. As time goes on, new occupants of the home find the box and discover the treasure map left behind. A magical and wonderful trip ensue for the three friends who have found the secret box. The right thing to do is to return the box to its original hiding place for new occupants of the house to enjoy the same magic. The artwork is simple, warm and inviting. The stories that will come out of the box will vary with each reader, but they will all be fascinating to hear.
For story time programs with a little kick, this book does especially well with a small group of children, no more than six. Give each child a number, in this case 1-6. The child who has number one, they will begin the story in their own words. The next child, number two, will continue telling the story with the second page, and this continues on until number six. Then the children start over in taking turns in telling the story. This is a wonderful way to not only stir the imagination, but also encourage the children to listen to the story, as well as look at the details of the artwork. If the children are old enough, test them to see if they remember the parts of their shared story by randomly going back to a page to ask, "What did we say happened with our friend in the picture?"
Older children can benefit from wordless books too. A clever way to make it interesting is to add music to the storytime/interactive program. Ahead of time, choose several music cds that vary in style, and a mix of vocal and instrumental. When the program begins, let the children not only tell the story, but experiment with different music cds to find the "right" music for the pictures. Write down the songs they choose and the story they spun. Once this is done, burn the songs in page order to a disc. At the next get together, tell the children you have a wonderful new story to tell them. Pull out the book, play the CD and read the "children's" story. To go the extra mile, have the authors sign their work. Place the music cd along with a player, headphone and book in an area where other patrons may want to hear the budding storytellers' story. What better marketing can you get for the library with this project?
Of course this can be done with any good wordless picture book. Below is a list of good titles to choose from to create a personal storytime with children.
Polo and the Magic Flute Regis Faller
South Patrick McDonnel
Wave Suzy Lee
Museum Trip Barbara Lehman
Flotsam David Wiesner
Jack and the Night Visitors Paul Schories
Sidewalk Circus Paul Fleischman
Yellow Balloon Charlotte Dematons
Tuba Lessons T.C. Bartlett
Good Dog, Carl Alexandra Day
One of the best wordless picture books for 2011 is Barbara Lehman's The Secret Box. It's a wonderful tale about a timeless treasure that is hidden in the attic of an old home. Readers are introduced to the first person to hide the box in the first few pages. As time goes on, new occupants of the home find the box and discover the treasure map left behind. A magical and wonderful trip ensue for the three friends who have found the secret box. The right thing to do is to return the box to its original hiding place for new occupants of the house to enjoy the same magic. The artwork is simple, warm and inviting. The stories that will come out of the box will vary with each reader, but they will all be fascinating to hear.
For story time programs with a little kick, this book does especially well with a small group of children, no more than six. Give each child a number, in this case 1-6. The child who has number one, they will begin the story in their own words. The next child, number two, will continue telling the story with the second page, and this continues on until number six. Then the children start over in taking turns in telling the story. This is a wonderful way to not only stir the imagination, but also encourage the children to listen to the story, as well as look at the details of the artwork. If the children are old enough, test them to see if they remember the parts of their shared story by randomly going back to a page to ask, "What did we say happened with our friend in the picture?"
Older children can benefit from wordless books too. A clever way to make it interesting is to add music to the storytime/interactive program. Ahead of time, choose several music cds that vary in style, and a mix of vocal and instrumental. When the program begins, let the children not only tell the story, but experiment with different music cds to find the "right" music for the pictures. Write down the songs they choose and the story they spun. Once this is done, burn the songs in page order to a disc. At the next get together, tell the children you have a wonderful new story to tell them. Pull out the book, play the CD and read the "children's" story. To go the extra mile, have the authors sign their work. Place the music cd along with a player, headphone and book in an area where other patrons may want to hear the budding storytellers' story. What better marketing can you get for the library with this project?
Of course this can be done with any good wordless picture book. Below is a list of good titles to choose from to create a personal storytime with children.
Polo and the Magic Flute Regis Faller
South Patrick McDonnel
Wave Suzy Lee
Museum Trip Barbara Lehman
Flotsam David Wiesner
Jack and the Night Visitors Paul Schories
Sidewalk Circus Paul Fleischman
Yellow Balloon Charlotte Dematons
Tuba Lessons T.C. Bartlett
Good Dog, Carl Alexandra Day
Friday, February 25, 2011
Building Grassroots Support for Libraries.
Another library will be closing their doors in Southeast Michigan. This is cutting to close to home. Way to close. To top it all off, Governor Snyder's recent release of budget cuts will basically leave more libraries hanging by a thin thread for dear life. The words "unsustainable" comes to mind quite often when listening to the litany of cuts aimed at libraries. While understanding that our country is experiencing economic turmoil and sacrifices must be made, it seems that all too often the library is the one who bleeds the most in local, state and national cuts. Before it is too late, and another library is lost. Leaders from every type of library across the United States, should stand firm against the cuts and fight like mad to save libraries. In this economic environment, no library is safe. Not even yours.
Fellow colleagues have commented to me that they believe that this is the end of librarianship. The future for libraries is dark at the moment, granted, however, it is not the end. It's merely a new chapter. While this "chapter" in the history of libraries will not be a very happy one, there is an opportunity for some positive outcomes that librarians can learn from in the years ahead. Pardon me if I sound as if I'm repeating myself from my earlier blogs, but I believe some things must be repeated and repeated often.
As a profession, I think now is the time to start singing our praises about libraries in general to the public we serve. More often than not, librarians will talk among themselves about how horrible it is to see libraries close or cut hours. Attending conferences that teach librarians on how to be advocates is a wonderful place to start, but let's face it those who attend the advocacy conferences are preaching to their kin. We'll consider that a practice session. It's time to go out into the world and do the "hard" sell.
Recently a patron boldly asked me why should libraries be paid for by tax dollars? The library services are not as important as the fire or police departments. Before going into the spiel of everything the library had to offer, I tried an easier approach. We can agree that every community needs a police department to protect them from crimes. We can also agree that every community needs a fire station to protect families from fires. Libraries are needed in every community to protect access to information. When put into that context most patrons will be satisfied with that response. If the counter argument is made that the internet has replaced the library, all one needs to do is point to the statistics that demonstrate that communities are using their libraries now more than ever. It's not hype, it's fact.
Every moment that librarians are given to be in the public eye should be shrewdly taken advantage of in the way of cheap marketing. Everywhere, every minute and to every person, libraries and their benefits in society should be promoted. Talk isn't cheap when it is associated with action. Going out into the community is a huge step towards reminding people that libraries build and sustain communities. Perhaps this is a Pollyanna dream to believe that librarians could build a grassroots support for libraries within every American Community. I don't believe so. There are many librarians who are coming to realize that we can not really solely on our professional associations to protect our libraries. Librarians have got to build it themselves, one citizen at a time. What did Costner say in Field of Dreams, "If we build it, they will come." Well? It can be done. Is anyone willing to help begin the grassroots movement to save libraries? Here's hoping there are at least a few yeses. If there is not, we're doomed.
Fellow colleagues have commented to me that they believe that this is the end of librarianship. The future for libraries is dark at the moment, granted, however, it is not the end. It's merely a new chapter. While this "chapter" in the history of libraries will not be a very happy one, there is an opportunity for some positive outcomes that librarians can learn from in the years ahead. Pardon me if I sound as if I'm repeating myself from my earlier blogs, but I believe some things must be repeated and repeated often.
As a profession, I think now is the time to start singing our praises about libraries in general to the public we serve. More often than not, librarians will talk among themselves about how horrible it is to see libraries close or cut hours. Attending conferences that teach librarians on how to be advocates is a wonderful place to start, but let's face it those who attend the advocacy conferences are preaching to their kin. We'll consider that a practice session. It's time to go out into the world and do the "hard" sell.
Recently a patron boldly asked me why should libraries be paid for by tax dollars? The library services are not as important as the fire or police departments. Before going into the spiel of everything the library had to offer, I tried an easier approach. We can agree that every community needs a police department to protect them from crimes. We can also agree that every community needs a fire station to protect families from fires. Libraries are needed in every community to protect access to information. When put into that context most patrons will be satisfied with that response. If the counter argument is made that the internet has replaced the library, all one needs to do is point to the statistics that demonstrate that communities are using their libraries now more than ever. It's not hype, it's fact.
Every moment that librarians are given to be in the public eye should be shrewdly taken advantage of in the way of cheap marketing. Everywhere, every minute and to every person, libraries and their benefits in society should be promoted. Talk isn't cheap when it is associated with action. Going out into the community is a huge step towards reminding people that libraries build and sustain communities. Perhaps this is a Pollyanna dream to believe that librarians could build a grassroots support for libraries within every American Community. I don't believe so. There are many librarians who are coming to realize that we can not really solely on our professional associations to protect our libraries. Librarians have got to build it themselves, one citizen at a time. What did Costner say in Field of Dreams, "If we build it, they will come." Well? It can be done. Is anyone willing to help begin the grassroots movement to save libraries? Here's hoping there are at least a few yeses. If there is not, we're doomed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2011: The Year Of The Library
In 2010, budget cuts and closings were the stark realities that many libraries faced. If that was not enough to depress a career librarian, the endless mantra from the public, from Jay Leno to your Average Joe, on how insignificant libraries are in today’s society wasn’t cheery to hear either. LosingLibraries.org, a website which chronicles libraries that have closed or are facing permanent closings, paints a dismal picture of what libraries are facing across America. It’s not a pretty picture. Having said that, it seems that it is time to change the picture and start looking forward to protect and preserve libraries in the future. To borrow a line from the 80’s rock group Styx I declare that libraries are “Not Dead Yet”. Looking forward to 2011, here are ten ways to make this year the Year of the Library.
1. The Silence Clause Does not Apply Anymore
For too long libraries have been the silent partners in communities, schools, universities and businesses. It seems that everyone knows where the library is but no one realizes its contribution. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why the public just assumes that closing a library would bring no harm. Libraries bring value in ways that are not tangible. We can’t feel the success of a student, but know in the long term, a well educated student serves his/her community well. Likewise in business libraries, resources help strengthen business plans which can lead to economic prosperity not only for the company but the for the local economy. Again, the contribution is not seen until the plans have come to positive fruition. No longer should libraries act the part of the silent partner. Let everyone know where the library is, when the library is open, what the library can do for them, why and how the library exists.
2. The Declaration of Independence For Public Libraries
Many librarians will argue with this point, but it is still worth exploring and discussing. Libraries must find new avenues to be funded. In too many cases, local and state governments have pulled the rug out from under the libraries by either cutting the library’s budget or eliminating them all together. With partnerships like that, who needs enemies? It is time to investigate a balance of private and public funding. Privatized libraries are not necessarily bad, if done correctly. The library should always belong to the people, however, using business ideals of profits instead of non-profit government, libraries may stand a chance to survive during any economic conditions. If libraries survive, so will librarians.
3. Would you like a T-shirt with that?
“If you can’t afford a billboard, a body will do just fine.” That strange quote came from a friend whose business was just getting off the ground and he was looking for cheap way to advertise. Get people to wear a pin, t-shirt, or a bag to carry around promoting libraries. Of course this costs money so do what poor libraries have done for years: beg businesses for sponsorships. Many businesses, even in tough economies, would be willing to donate to a worthy “public” cause because it shows they are giving back to the community. It’s a win win situation. What would really cause a librarian to get chills running up and down her spine would be for library t-shirts to hit the mainstream and everywhere you look, someone is wearing a “sign” that says “Libraries Rock!” A pipe dream? Maybe, but if Fonzie (aka Henry Winkler, to all the younger librarians out there) could get people excited about library cards, there’s a possibility that library t-shirts are not such a bad idea. People just need to be sold on the idea.
4. Web 2.0 claim it, use it, and own it. Lead the pack to Web 3.0
The rise of social media has proven that marketing is everything when it comes to getting noticed in today’s world. Libraries who are not on Facebook or Twitter are not only missing out on cheap marketing, but also proving critics of library’s point that libraries are archaic. If librarians are seen as leaders in using the effective tools of the Internet, it will be that much easier to move forward and pave the way for the changes coming with with Web 3.0. Why not have a virtual story time, where baby and mom can interact with classmates when they can’t be there in person due to a cold? Why not sponsor a book talk with the author of the latest YA novel through Skypes? The possibilities are endless. If this is to be the year of the library, this is a great way to make headlines and catch people’s attention.
5. Friends in Low Places? Nope Not Here!
It never hurts to have friends in high places. When the opportunity arises, invite political leaders, on the local, state and national level, to your library. Remind them that libraries are bi-partisan, provide equal opportunity to access to information and promotes a society that is informed and engaged. Benjamin Franklin obviously understood this when he helped open the first public library in Philadelphia. Granted, at that time it was fee based, but the concept of anyone who wanted to learn more about a given subject was granted the opportunity to do so at the library. It’s a very democratic idea, and one that should be reminded to government officials on a regular basis.
6. Make the Front Page Or At Least On the Second Page
Newspapers are still a good source for local news and information. Contact the newspaper’s to remind them of the wonderful programs available at the library. If editors claim they don’t have enough staff to cover the “library”. Offer to write a weekly column for the newspaper that chronicles all the activities at the library. Don’t forget to add what is going on in other libraries besides your own. Working collaboratively is an effecient use of time and resources. The outcome of this may be that there will be someone who begins to think, “Wow, I didn’t know the library did that!”.
7. The Perks of Having A Library Card
How many stores do you go into now that have a “card” which entitles discounts, freebies, and other perks just for buying their products? Granted a library card can’t offer “discounts” on checking out books or using the computers. However, why not ask business owners to reward their customers for having a library card? For example, an ice cream shop could offer a child size ice cream cone to children getting their first library card.
8. Go Where the Action Is
One of the positives of Web 2.0, is that people don’t view the world by boundaries. No longer are we enclosed by four walls and a door. The world is at our fingertips but it is also for us to define in ways that works for us. Going to the bookstore use to be just about books. Now, there is a cafe inside to invite people to talk, have coffee and read their latest purchase. Bookstores on occasion will go out to community events in an effort to lure customers to buy thier books and latter coming to visit their stores. The suggestion is not to become like bookstores, but rather to take the show on the road. Go to the shopping malls, the coffee houses or even the local park. What do you do once you are there? It can be as simple as dropping off business cards that have the library’s name, email and phone number or reading a story to children at the local McDonald’s. (This is not a far fetched idea. I’ve done that and it worked pretty well.) Once the positive association is made in the “world”, people will remember and come to visit the library.
9. A “Fair” To Remember
If the library has the room, remind non profits and schools that you have community space that they can use. For example, a local senior center or home for the aged will promote the art work of their seniors Local businesses and employment agencies can hold job fairs at the library. Partner with these organization and hold the art fair at the library in order to get more viewers for the art. Science Fair projects are great to way to partner with the local school districts to promote the best and the brightest ideas from the students. Besides, where did the information for the projects come from? The library. Why not use this opportunity to remind patrons of the value of this timeless institute.
10. Most Valuable Resource -- Children
Most Marketing experts will tell you that puppy dogs, kittens, and children are wonderful for ad campaigns because of the cuteness factor. It’s a kin to daring someone to say “No” to such an adorable face knowing full well it is a difficult thing to do. With that in mind, if this is to be the year of the Library, make it all about the children. Let them speak for you when you need ot convey why the library is wonderful and needed. Bookmark Art contests are popular among many libraries in an effort to promote reading and libraries. Social media has made it easy for even teens to create, share and post videos. Why not invite them to create a video that shows what the library means to them. Its the perfect opportunity to teach children the importance of speaking up for a worthwhile cause.
The bottom line is that libraries need to be open for so many reasons. If every Librarian, library advocate or patron would use just one of these reasons as a starting point for conversation, our nation's libraries will be on the road to better days. With passionate determination, speaking up when needed and using creative ideas to draw support for the libraries big things can happen. Let's make it happen. Let's make this year, the year of the library.
1. The Silence Clause Does not Apply Anymore
For too long libraries have been the silent partners in communities, schools, universities and businesses. It seems that everyone knows where the library is but no one realizes its contribution. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why the public just assumes that closing a library would bring no harm. Libraries bring value in ways that are not tangible. We can’t feel the success of a student, but know in the long term, a well educated student serves his/her community well. Likewise in business libraries, resources help strengthen business plans which can lead to economic prosperity not only for the company but the for the local economy. Again, the contribution is not seen until the plans have come to positive fruition. No longer should libraries act the part of the silent partner. Let everyone know where the library is, when the library is open, what the library can do for them, why and how the library exists.
2. The Declaration of Independence For Public Libraries
Many librarians will argue with this point, but it is still worth exploring and discussing. Libraries must find new avenues to be funded. In too many cases, local and state governments have pulled the rug out from under the libraries by either cutting the library’s budget or eliminating them all together. With partnerships like that, who needs enemies? It is time to investigate a balance of private and public funding. Privatized libraries are not necessarily bad, if done correctly. The library should always belong to the people, however, using business ideals of profits instead of non-profit government, libraries may stand a chance to survive during any economic conditions. If libraries survive, so will librarians.
3. Would you like a T-shirt with that?
“If you can’t afford a billboard, a body will do just fine.” That strange quote came from a friend whose business was just getting off the ground and he was looking for cheap way to advertise. Get people to wear a pin, t-shirt, or a bag to carry around promoting libraries. Of course this costs money so do what poor libraries have done for years: beg businesses for sponsorships. Many businesses, even in tough economies, would be willing to donate to a worthy “public” cause because it shows they are giving back to the community. It’s a win win situation. What would really cause a librarian to get chills running up and down her spine would be for library t-shirts to hit the mainstream and everywhere you look, someone is wearing a “sign” that says “Libraries Rock!” A pipe dream? Maybe, but if Fonzie (aka Henry Winkler, to all the younger librarians out there) could get people excited about library cards, there’s a possibility that library t-shirts are not such a bad idea. People just need to be sold on the idea.
4. Web 2.0 claim it, use it, and own it. Lead the pack to Web 3.0
The rise of social media has proven that marketing is everything when it comes to getting noticed in today’s world. Libraries who are not on Facebook or Twitter are not only missing out on cheap marketing, but also proving critics of library’s point that libraries are archaic. If librarians are seen as leaders in using the effective tools of the Internet, it will be that much easier to move forward and pave the way for the changes coming with with Web 3.0. Why not have a virtual story time, where baby and mom can interact with classmates when they can’t be there in person due to a cold? Why not sponsor a book talk with the author of the latest YA novel through Skypes? The possibilities are endless. If this is to be the year of the library, this is a great way to make headlines and catch people’s attention.
5. Friends in Low Places? Nope Not Here!
It never hurts to have friends in high places. When the opportunity arises, invite political leaders, on the local, state and national level, to your library. Remind them that libraries are bi-partisan, provide equal opportunity to access to information and promotes a society that is informed and engaged. Benjamin Franklin obviously understood this when he helped open the first public library in Philadelphia. Granted, at that time it was fee based, but the concept of anyone who wanted to learn more about a given subject was granted the opportunity to do so at the library. It’s a very democratic idea, and one that should be reminded to government officials on a regular basis.
6. Make the Front Page Or At Least On the Second Page
Newspapers are still a good source for local news and information. Contact the newspaper’s to remind them of the wonderful programs available at the library. If editors claim they don’t have enough staff to cover the “library”. Offer to write a weekly column for the newspaper that chronicles all the activities at the library. Don’t forget to add what is going on in other libraries besides your own. Working collaboratively is an effecient use of time and resources. The outcome of this may be that there will be someone who begins to think, “Wow, I didn’t know the library did that!”.
7. The Perks of Having A Library Card
How many stores do you go into now that have a “card” which entitles discounts, freebies, and other perks just for buying their products? Granted a library card can’t offer “discounts” on checking out books or using the computers. However, why not ask business owners to reward their customers for having a library card? For example, an ice cream shop could offer a child size ice cream cone to children getting their first library card.
8. Go Where the Action Is
One of the positives of Web 2.0, is that people don’t view the world by boundaries. No longer are we enclosed by four walls and a door. The world is at our fingertips but it is also for us to define in ways that works for us. Going to the bookstore use to be just about books. Now, there is a cafe inside to invite people to talk, have coffee and read their latest purchase. Bookstores on occasion will go out to community events in an effort to lure customers to buy thier books and latter coming to visit their stores. The suggestion is not to become like bookstores, but rather to take the show on the road. Go to the shopping malls, the coffee houses or even the local park. What do you do once you are there? It can be as simple as dropping off business cards that have the library’s name, email and phone number or reading a story to children at the local McDonald’s. (This is not a far fetched idea. I’ve done that and it worked pretty well.) Once the positive association is made in the “world”, people will remember and come to visit the library.
9. A “Fair” To Remember
If the library has the room, remind non profits and schools that you have community space that they can use. For example, a local senior center or home for the aged will promote the art work of their seniors Local businesses and employment agencies can hold job fairs at the library. Partner with these organization and hold the art fair at the library in order to get more viewers for the art. Science Fair projects are great to way to partner with the local school districts to promote the best and the brightest ideas from the students. Besides, where did the information for the projects come from? The library. Why not use this opportunity to remind patrons of the value of this timeless institute.
10. Most Valuable Resource -- Children
Most Marketing experts will tell you that puppy dogs, kittens, and children are wonderful for ad campaigns because of the cuteness factor. It’s a kin to daring someone to say “No” to such an adorable face knowing full well it is a difficult thing to do. With that in mind, if this is to be the year of the Library, make it all about the children. Let them speak for you when you need ot convey why the library is wonderful and needed. Bookmark Art contests are popular among many libraries in an effort to promote reading and libraries. Social media has made it easy for even teens to create, share and post videos. Why not invite them to create a video that shows what the library means to them. Its the perfect opportunity to teach children the importance of speaking up for a worthwhile cause.
The bottom line is that libraries need to be open for so many reasons. If every Librarian, library advocate or patron would use just one of these reasons as a starting point for conversation, our nation's libraries will be on the road to better days. With passionate determination, speaking up when needed and using creative ideas to draw support for the libraries big things can happen. Let's make it happen. Let's make this year, the year of the library.
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