December 30, 2008

getting the word out

What do typical businesses and organizations normally do when they want to reach more potential customers/patrons/users in their area? ADVERTISE! On the radio, on tv, in the paper, on the web... the right size/method/pitch can be extremely effective in spreading a name and increasing users. So why was it that this weekend was the first time I have ever seen a library advertise in a local newspaper?

From the Moorestown Sun:



detail:




I am impressed! This is a beautiful half-page spread with clear, effective language. I think it was a smart idea to focus on a couple important services like popular circulating material and book discussion kits. Instead of clogging the ad with mention of every program and service, the library invites potential patrons to try to visit once a week. That appealing layout of holiday dvds and childrens books will likely pull people to take a trip to the Moorestown Library who may not have in a couple months, years, or ever! It'll be up to the staff to suggest programming and services to these patrons while helping them find things in the collection, register for a card, or check out materials. I realize that I have always been a library user, but I don't think I'm biased in saying that if I weren't and I saw this ad... I would give it a go!

November 17, 2008

libraries and modern life

As both an MLS candidate and 'fresh' librarian trainee, a lot of my life for the past year has been devoted to considering the pontifications of professors, colleagues, and bloggers. What is the future of the library as we know it? How can you engage your community? What are the best ways to increase circulation, program attendance, funding? In what ways can we best implement new technologies? How can you get a job?!

These are almost impossible questions to answer in a single class, book, article, or blog post. One coherent approach I've come to embrace is that having ideas tossed about in interactive formats (including classes, conferences, blogs) serve to further educate those engaging in these discussions. I hope publicizing my experiences and approaches might come to serve visitors from libraryland. Constant assessment and adjustments are fundamental to any successful organization, and librarians should keep this in mind. I plan on actively supporting my community by offering my two cents. Hope you enjoy.