Revision as of 02:57, 8 September 2007

Success Stories

• Libraries matter - Check out their brilliant wristband idea and the library success stories on the site.
• IFLA Success Stories Database International Federation of Library Associations has set up a database that aims to showcase the value of libraries to society as a whole.
• OhioLINK Marketing Toolkit OhioLINK's forum for sharing marketing success stories.
• Your Library : Inspiration for all New Zealanders - The MetroNet group of New Zealand public libraries has commissioned the creation of a national television campaign, that will be screened from 03 July to 28 August 2005. The campaign uses notable and successful New Zealanders to support all public libraries as warm and intellectual destinations. No specific libraries are referred to, but the campaign ends with the phrase "Your Libraries: On Site, On Line". The objective is to increase the profile and usage of New Zealand public libraries through conveying the promise that they are modern, on trend, relevant and inspiring.
• St. Charles Library Cart Capades Bookettes - A crazy group of librarians from Illinois who push carts down windy streets for fun.

Marketing Plans

• @ your library

Comprehensive marketing toolkit for academic and research libraries

• Sample marketing plan from American University
• Sample plan from Rutgers
• Sample plan from University of Colorado Boulder

Marketing Tips

The St. Charles Library (IL) has discovered a great community marketing tool - synchronized book cart pushing. The Bookettes are extremely popular at all local parades, and have even been invited by the students to participate in the high school homecoming parades. It is a great way to develop a following AND keep the library at the forefront of the community. Tips: 1) organize early and keep the routine simple the first year; 2) have fun! 3) call the press and invite them to a practice, then get your photo on the front page of the newspaper; 3) create a theme, wear the same color shirts and/or decorate the carts; 4) make sure your wheels are on tight.

In a corporate library setting, a newsletter distributed by e-mail is an excellent way to market your library, particularly if your library serves several offices or departments in different locations. Some tips for a successful newsletter: 1) Keep it short and snappy; think about the average attention span of someone most likely experiencing e-mail overload. 2) Feature some members of your staff in each edition and don’t be afraid to include a photograph and/or a brief personal profile. Since so many information transactions are done electronically, adding a personal touch is a great way to make a connection. 3) Highlight a success story. Did the information you provided help someone win an account or contribute significantly to the company’s business? Tell people how. If the person you helped is willing to give a quote, even better! 4) Reiterate that you are here to help and encourage questions and feedback.

Blogs/Websites to Watch

• Info*Nation - a website designed to promote the library and information professions in Canada (CLA)
• Library Marketing - Thinking Outside the Book - great blog by Jill Stover.
• Marketing the Library - a self-paced web-based training from the Ohio Library Council.
• Marketing Treasures - The free electronic newsletter with marketing ideas for information professionals. Published the 3rd Wednesday of each month, it is written by a librarian who is also a library marketing consultant. 12 years of back issues are available as PDF files on the Marketing Treasures web site. There are lots of ideas, resources, and practical advice for library and information service marketers.
• Market Your Library from Thomson/Gale
• Promote Your Library
• Smartest Card Campaign (PLA) - Goal: To make the library card the most valued and used card in every wallet!
• Why and How to Use Blogs to Promote Your Library's Services by Darlene Fichter in Marketing Library Services from November/December 2003
• The M Word Blog- Marketing ideas, tips and trends for librarians

Specific Blog Posts/Articles to Check Out

• Marylaine Block's Ex Libris has an ongoing series Profit, and Provocation: Library Promotion for the Over-Educated by Tia Dobi. Link is to Part 7 (July 1, 2005); see also the six earlier parts.

• O'Keefe, Claudia. "Publicity 101: How to Promote Your Library's Next Event." American Libraries Vol. 36 No. 6 June/July 2005, 52-55. This article includes a particularly useful sidebar on writing a compelling press release. If you are an ALA member, you can view this article on the American Libraries site by searching the archive and using the ebrary reader.

• McCracken, Linda D. and Zeiher, Lynne. The Library Book Cart Precision Drill Team Manual. McFarland & Company. 168 pages.

• Reaching Patrons: Online Outreach for Public Libraries is a slideshow presentation by Sarah Houghton-Jan with a 20-point checklist. It emphasizes libraries going to the new online locations to find clientel.

• Libraries, Retail, and Feel Good Marketing A discussion about what is good and what is annoying.