Marketing Using Social Media

An interesting post was shared by a colleague and I wanted to pass it on. Chris Brogan wrote a piece titled, "50Ways Marketers Can Use Social Media to Improve Marketing." Some interesting points and some definitely we could incorporate in our libraries. I liked #9 - coupling our newsletter content with web content on a blog. I was also intrigued bysocial media press release he refers to in #12. You can check out the whole list at: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/50-ways-marketers-can-use-social-media-to-improve-their-marketing/.
Enjoy.

ALA Insightful Programs

After a busy and educational ALA conference I'm back at work and wanted to share some of the highlights from my conference experience. The best program I attended was "Selling Your Story: How to Use the PLA Service Responses to Market Your Library," presenters Sandra Nelson and June Garcia. The presentation was based on the newly revised PLA service responses - which by the way I found to be very connected to what we do in our libraries. They reflect the current planning environment for public libraries with an emphasis on strategic rather than long-term planning. Nelson and Garcia empahsized the need for proper planning, BEFORE we begin our marketing and promotion efforts. If you are interested in the powerpoint from this presentation it is posted at www.sandranelson.com/handouts/ala2008.htm. The service responses are introduced in the new book, Strategic Planning for Results. I will be ordering 2 copies of the book for the State Library collection so if you'd like to take a look at it feel free to request through interlibrary loan. The embedded link provides the ALA website where you can purchase the book for your own collection. http://www.alastore.ala.org./SiteSolution.taf?_sn=catalog2&_pn=product_detail&_op=2469
While in Anaheim I also visited the Cerritos Library - probably one of the neatest public libraries I've ever seen. Everything about this library focuses on the importance of the customer experience. The library offers themed spaces to define its different collections. The Old World Reading Room sports rare first editions, new and popular titles, wood paneling and a Gothic fireplace. A World Traditions area recognized the contributions of nonwestern culture and houses multimedia resources. The high tech, modern area features the newest technology and innovative spaces. And the children's area includes multimedia learning centers, centered around inviting reading spaces and various hands on features. Of course the best way for you to get the real picture is to check out the link that includes photos: http://www.ci.cerritos.ca.us/library/photos/library.html

BYFB in New Hanover County

A neat idea one that could entice new readers and encourage publicity.

By adding a new twist to the standard book club format, librarian Paige Owens encourages book lovers to gather for discussion of their favorites. BYFB, which stands for Bring Your Favorite Book, or your memory of it, began in November in the Northeast Regional Library in New Hanover County. The meetings focus on various themes - favorite mystery, favorite adult classic. Unlike the typical book club, where the group reads specific titles, BYFB participants talk about their personal preferences, books that have resonated with them.
I could see this also working with childrens and teens.

Books2eat

The International Edible Book Festival (the brainchild of a librarian) took place again this year with a whole catalog full of delicious, delightful fare. Held annually at various locations around the world in early April - primarily at libraries- it's a clever way to highlight libraries, books and good food. In Canada their edible book fair used the theme of The Wizard of Oz. Their promo: Follow the yellow brick road to the St. Mary’s University College Library where delectable creative works will be displayed and consumed. Whip up your own edible literary creation or simply come to marvel at the assortment of tasty and imaginative treats. Stay for a book reading, art book exhibition and a display of handmade fairytale books.

Start thinking now for next April. What a great way to involve local bakeries, chefs, etc.
Check out the website at http://www.books2eat.com. There are some great photos under the program section.

ALA Materials Always Helpful

Just a reminder about all the rich resources at the ALA website. You'll find some very helpful information on media communications. I especially like the section on developing a message. It gives some great pointers. You can check out the whole section on media communications at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/mediarelationsa/availablepiomat/commhandbook.cfm

Learning from Bookstores

I have been working on organizing my materials from PLA and once I finish I'll share any information that might be useful. In the meantime I recently revisited an article that I find most interesting and wanted to share. The article, "What Libraries Can Learn from Bookstores", written by Chris Rippel, invites librarians to apply bookstore techniques to communicate with library customers. It's a great article and has tons of links - you could spend all day browsing. I especially like the section on "library smells". Check out the link
www.ckls.org/~crippel/marketing/bookstore.html

OCLC on Advocacy

OCLC has done a great job developing an advertising campaign on behalf of libraries, aimed at library budget decision-makers. The campaign consists of a series of national print ads and similar posters that can be downloaded and customised by libraries of all types. The goal of the campaign is to raise the visibility of libraries. Some very useful information.
Here's the link.
http://www.oclc.org/advocacy/default.htm