A Place for Great Ideas!

Swap and Chat once again returns to NCLA. Tables will be set up in the exhibit hall giving conference participants an opportunity to view publicity materials and share ideas with their colleagues. All types of libraries are encouraged to submit samples of their public relations materials for swapping - the more participation the better the swap.


Be sure to enter the Swap and Chat Best of Show. Submit your favorite publicity promotional piece in any of the following categories: annual reports, bibliographies, booklists, calendars, fundraising materials, general brochures, newsletters, program and event materials, web site promotional materials and this year's new category promotional video. The video entry must be submitted on a flash drive. Judges will select winners based on content, originality, design, format and effectiveness. I've attached a file with some of last year's winners. Thought you might enjoy!

Bestofshow07

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Show Your Support | geekthelibrary.org

You might find this interesting. A new campaign by OCLC on developing support for public libraries. The fact section could be really helpful in developing key messages. http://geekthelibrary.org/index.html

Libraries on The Today Show

If you didn't catch this segment on the Today show - check it out. Fabulous. Of course it tells a story that we all know, but it's great to see others understand the necessity of libraries in today's world.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31237988#31237988
Libraries lend a hand in tough times
June 11: In this recession, public libraries are seeing an increase in traffic and playing a new role in helping people find work. NBC’s Peter Alexander reports.

Branford Marsalis Promotes Summer Reading

Thought everyone might enjoy our summer reading promotional video with Branford Marsalis. He was so gracious and enthusiastic during our filming, even though he had just returned from a very strenuous tour in California. WTVD, a local tv station, and UNC-TV, public television have both agreed to air the psa throughout the summer. The children in the video have parents who work in our Department.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/user/statelibrarync

A Very Cool Annual Report

I know everyone is always on the lookout for new ways to create their annual report. In North Carolina I've seen some wonderful formats and presentations. I remember Greensboro public library's a few years ago developed notepads with a fact about the library on each note pad sheet. Cumberland County had plastic bags with library information printed on the outside. I came across this idea which I think is fantastic and very innovative. The Columbus Library presented their 2008 annual report in a very unique way. Check it out.
http://ourstory.columbuslibrary.org/

Promoting Your Library - Free & Easy Tips

With staff shortages and increased demands from library customers I've heard many library staff say, "we just don't have time to promote our library." So thought I might share these free, easy promotion tips - that don't take much time or money.

• Use "sound bites" on your voicemail or e-mail signatures
• Promote positive testimonials
• Encourage letters to the editor
• Distribute Library pr in unlikely places
• Invite community leaders to library programs
• Piggyback on other groups' communications
• Encourage strategic Word of Mouth in your library
• Supply talking points to staff that work with the public
• Use targeted emails to promote library programs and services

"Friend" Raising

Recently Paula Calabrese, consultant, shared her thoughts on Friend Raising. There are some great ideas for your Friends, not only for fundraising, but also for improving your marketing efforts. I've listed a few of my favorites.

DESIGN A DECK OF PLAYING CARDS: Create a deck of playing cards on a particular theme: history of your town,great literature, local officials, library trivia, Pennsylvania writers, children’s’ authors or something similar andobtain a customized deck of playing cards to sell.
www.customizedplayingcards.com/


JUST DESSERTS: Work with a local bakery to provide a smorgasbord of desserts and offer a “borrow a book andreceive a dessert” to eat while you’re enjoying your book. Food for the mind and the body.

M&Ms: No one can resist M&Ms. So get them customized with your library or friends’ logo and sell them topatrons.
www.mymms.com/customprint/?src=112228&sc_cid=P_GG_P2_N00_MA9CON00PGGP2111

TRIVIA NIGHT: Obtain donated prizes for winners and then invite players to pay to play. Select a theme for the evening’s questions such as Elvisology or Presidential Trivia depending on the season.
www.funtrivia.com/
www.elvis.com/elvisology/trivia/default.asp
www.apples4theteacher.com/prestriv.html