Strong Libraries for a Strong America.wmv

North Carolina librarians created a wonderful video which they used in DC for the ALA legislative day. A great way to tell the story of North Carolina libraries.

Creative Publicity

New Hanover Public Library in Wilmington, NC did a great job with this creative, humorous video to publicize their library services.

Children Enthralled with Spokesperson

Our state spokesperson for the library card campaign continues to travel the state and visit schools and libraries with us. He is making such an impact on our target audiences of teens, preteens and children. We've seen huge increases in our library card registrations and some great collaborative efforts between our school libraries and our public libraries. A great thing to remember - partnerships builds your ability to market you libraries better. Thought you'd enjoy this recent photo of Beaux Foy at Holly Grove Elementary in Raleigh.

Creative Book Art

Ruth Ann Copley, Director of Davidson Public Library, recently shared a great idea about a contest in their library. The Creative Book Art challenges contestants to create art using books as the medium. They can use book pages, book covers, any part of the book to create art. The winners will be included in the library's promotional calendar. Can't wait to see what folks create!

Wikipedia Shuts Down - But Libraries Never Do

I just saw a great idea on a discussion list. The San Antonia Public Library is taking advantage of the wikipedia shut down.

Missing wikipedia? All that - and more - is available at your library. Just go to www.mysapl.org and click on "Resources" or "Databases," or call (210) 207-2500. And when you find something at the library, you don't have to worry about who's been messing with the entries!

Small and Powerful

Small and Powerful - that's how ALA defines their new toolkit for rural libraries. Recently released the toolkit provides steps to successful advocacy and support building. One success tip really stood out for me:
"Don't wait for a crisis. Make yourself essential."

Included in the toolkit are Steps to Success, Tools for Success and a Sample Message Sheet. Toolkits are available electronically.

So check it out. Share it with your Friends Board, Library Board, staff and volunteers.

Telling The Story

I just found another great video and a sample of how libraries can tell their story.

Author, Chris Bohjalian tells why libraries are so important to him. This could easily be replicated in your community. Find your superstars.

Advocacy - It's Happening in NC

We are busy in the state of North Carolina advocating for our libraries. Recently we had an all day workshop on "Who Speaks for Us". Fabulous information shared from Jamie LaRue, coordinator of the Big Hairy Audacious Goal progam, in Colorado, followed by Bill Millet who shared insights on North Carolina's challenges. Special thanks to UNC-Greensboro Library School who has developed a great website for our advocacy efforts. Check it out.
We have also been visiting many schools throughout NC to spread the message about the importance of getting a library card. And no one better than our great state spokesperson Beaux Foy.

You Can Always Put it On the Front Door

I saw this on another post and thought it interesting. How great this dry cleaners is willing to offer free dry cleaning for individuals needing an interview suit. Perhaps libraries could put a big sign on the front door - Looking for work - we can help - come inside and check us out! I know many libraries have signs inside but perhaps having something outside or actuallY at a different location would attract some customers who normally wouldn't use the library.

pOSTED AT A DRY CLEANERS OUT WEST.
IF YOU ARE UNEMPLOYED AND NEED AN OUTFIT CLEANED FOR AN INTERVIEW WE WILL CLEAN IT FOR FREE!

Great Things Happening in North Carolina

I just returned from the North Carolina Library Association in Hickory. Amazing turnout and the energy was phenomenal. It's great to hear all the wonderful things our libraries are doing - even during these tough times. Thought you might find these resources helpfulfrom the Zero budget Marketing and Merchandising for Your Library Presentation done by staff at the Wake County Library. Some excellent resources to help you improve your promotional efforts. Check it out!
www.wakegov.com/libraries/admin/ncla
You might also want to check out the NCLA website for more information on presentations.
http://www.nclaonline.org/conferences/ncla-59th-biennial-conference-october-4-7-2011-hickory-nc

Rock Star Great Spokes Person for our Libraries

As you notice in the previous post I talked about filming our video for the smartest card campaign. Well it's complete and it's fantastic! Our spokes person, Beaux Foy, shows true passion, excitement and understanding in regards to libraries. We are getting great mileage out of this video.
It's a great hook for marketing. We've found new partners, caught the attention of media, and are buidling a campaign that should sustain us for quite some time.
So enjoy - here's the link to "our" rock star.

Publicizing with Video

Yesterday I helped record the video for our new Smartest Card campaign. Great fun. Of course I was working with an experienced videographer from the band Airiel Down, but it did get me to thinking how easy it would be for library staff to make short videos and post them to their facebook, you tube, or on their home page. What a great way to promote our libraries. Here's a picture of us in the filming process.

Talented Musician to be our Spokesperson

Great news - Beaux Foy, the lead singer, for Airiel Down, has agreed to serve as the state spokesperson for our Smartest Card Campaign this year. Not only is Beaux a very talented musician, but he actively works with several community partners to improve lives in North Carolina. Watch this blog for updates on our campaign.

Interesting, Powerful Stats

Recently ALA completed a national study of public libraries and internet connectivity. The study reports that all public libraries provide public access to computers and the Internet. More than 87% of libraries provide technology training, and more than 2/3 offer access to e-books. Unfortunately the study also points out an increased demand for library technology resources but a decreased funding at state and local levels. Here's a slideshow that highlights some of the findings. Some great supporting facts to use in your fight toward increased funding.

Who is Doing What With Social Media?

Today, the Pew Internet & American Life Project released a detailed report on social media and how it is affecting our lives. Some very interesting implications for libraries. Check out the summary http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=580291790&gid=116930&type=member&item=58353016&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fselnd%2Ecom%2FilcMIh&urlhash=Qp9k&goback=%2Egde_116930_member_58353016

Boomers @ your Library

I've just completed a fellowship with the State Library of California that focused on providing library services to the boomer population. It was an excellent fellowship and addressed how we as public libraries can change how we serve and engage midlife adults. The Transforming Life After 50 ning offers a multitude of resources and I would encourage you to check it out.

The Power of Words

This you tube got me thinking how important it is for us in libraries to think about how we promote our libraries and what we say. Even if it's just on a flier or sign we post in our libraries. Watch it and see what you think. ="">

Tough Business Questions? Get Help

Of course we all want to market the great services we have in our library, but before we market we need to be sure we can provide the service we promote. Now in North Carolina there is a new service that can help you better answer your business reference questions. askBLINC is a group of librarians with business expertise who are ready to help. The askBLINC service is designed to help library staff who sometimes feel unsure about finding answers to business reference questions. And it's easy. Just email your business-related question to: askBLINC@gmail.com.

This Will Make You Chuckle

I saw this on another marketing blog and just had to post - it sure made me smile. It's amazing how something so simple can be so powerful.




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E-Readers in NC

The holidays are over and our libraries are seeing the results. I've heard so many library staff talk about the many folks that come in and want help with their e-reader that they got for Christmas. At the State Library we've responded by creating an "e-reader" petting zoo. Several master trainers and State Library staff have been trained and are available to visit NC libraries to give staff the opportunity to handle the different e-readers and learn some of the pros and cons of each. Just another way our libraries prove their value!