Marketing

Marketing, Online Collaboration, Webinar, collections
Webinar: Shine a light on your digital collections
September 2nd, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

With such great turnout for last week’s Digitization & Preservation Symposium, I wanted to be sure folks know about the free upcoming OCLC webinar on September 22, Shine a light on your digital collections.

Michael Scott, Maryland Digital Cultural Heritage Coordinator, will discuss how she uses everything from social media to WorldCat.org to increase the visibility of their online collections.

Also hear from Suzanne Butte, OCLC Digital Services Consultant, about how other libraries, museums and archives use a wide variety of ways to increase awareness and promote their digital collections.

Register Now for September 22 Webinar»
View Archive for Digitization & Preservation Symposium »
Community Building, Library Services, Marketing, News, Webinar
Libraries grow community economies
July 29th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

Free 30-minute webinar series on three Tuesday afternoons in August: 17th, 24th, 31st

Communities across the country are pursuing a burgeoning strategy known as economic gardening, which works to stimulate the development of small business with the goal of growing a healthy, community-scale economy. Libraries can be key players in supporting and facilitating their success. This Libraries and Economic Development webinar series will expand your thinking about the powerful connection. Your host for the series is Shelley Walchak, a mover-and-shaker with the official title of Library Community Programs Senior Consultant at the Colorado State Library.

Webinar 1: How to Make Your Library Entrepreneur-Friendly
Tuesday, Aug 17, 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific

Christine Hamilton-Pennell literally wrote the book. She is an articulate proponent of libraries’ support for local entrepreneurs. Learn specific steps your library can take to connect with and support its local business community. If you’re at all intrigued by the concept of economic gardening, this webinar is a must-see. Hamilton-Pennell introduces the strategies and lays the groundwork for their practical application, which will be covered in the following two webinars.

Webinar 2: Turning Your Databases into Business for Your Customers
Tuesday, Aug 24, 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific

Your library may already have the tools at hand (or close by) to help stimulate economic development in your community and you don’t have to be a trained business reference librarian to use them. Presenters Terry Zarsky and Kathleen Rainwater will give a guided tour through the best databases for small business information.

Webinar 3: Going to Your Customer – Outreach and Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday, Aug 31, 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific

How do you let the business community know that your library is primed and ready to help? Presenters Suzanne Kaller and Colbe Galston will talk about how to get the word out to Chambers of Commerce, small business development centers, community groups and government entities.

For more information and to access archives and registration:
http://www.webjunction.org/workforce-resources/articles/content/103122377
Marketing, Webinar
Webinar: Library Images and Video
March 18th, 2010 | Permalink | Comment?

I read the latest American Libraries on the bus this morning (it’s a great issue, btw) and Ellyssa Kroski’s excellent article “10 Technology Ideas Your Library Can Implement Next Week” reminded me to blog about the upcoming March 30th webinar with Michael Porter and Jeff Dawson. Ellyssa’s Idea #1 is to create a library video tour. Come join us on March 30th, 2:00 Eastern for a webinar that will help get you started!

Library Images and Video: Engage, Inspire and Tell your Story

In this entertaining and heartwarming presentation you will learn how two librarians teamed up to advocate more effectively (and boldly) while staying true to the personality of the communities, the libraries and the staff they serve. You and your library really can market your services and engage more effectively, and images, video and authenticity can be a key! Learn how you too can use images and video creatively and effectively to inspire Libraryland, engage the communities you serve boost staff morale and get more enjoyment from your job. The stories and lessons in this session will be presented by Jeff Dawson from the Lester Public Library in Two Rivers Wisconsin and by Michael Porter from WebJunction.

Register for the event »
Library Services, Marketing
Food for thought (or fear?)
October 27th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

I read this post (excerpted below) on Seth Godin’s blog, and it resonated with me–both the specific example of apples and the overall point he was making.

In our industrialized world, people are now afraid of apples. Afraid of buying the wrong kind. Afraid of making a purchasing mistake or some sort of pie mistake.

And they’re afraid of your product and your service. Whatever you sell, there are two big reasons people aren’t buying it:

1. They don’t know about it.

2. They’re afraid of it.

If you can get over those two, then you get the chance to prove that they need it and it’s a good value. But as long as people are afraid of what you sell, you’re stuck.
Marketing, Web 2.0
Twitter Tips for Libraries
September 23rd, 2009 | Permalink | 1 Comment

David Allen Kelly, aka kellydallen, of Palm Beach County Library System put together a set of five tips for how libraries can make better use of twitter and posted to his blog as “How Your Library May Not Be Using Twitter But Should.”

If you like what you read, post a comment to his blog to encourage him to write that Part II he mentioned!

Need a primer on twitter? Read this article: “Twitter: A Beginner’s Guide.”.
ALA MW 2009, Community Building, Funding, Library Management, Marketing, Online Collaboration
ALA MW: It has to make sense
January 25th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

Librarian Lesson #1 here at ALA MW in Denver: align priorities and learn when to sometimes say “NO.” The message at my table at the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Breakfast among skilled Project Managers, Supervisors, and Directors was simple: use regular, structured, F2F and online interactions with the public to nail down ”the mission,” then put “results” above all else in selecting and structuring projects that get the maximum bang for the bite. To do this well, it sometimes means saying no, or at least “not now.” Scope creep can render projects and actions null and void. Pinpoint focus on a mission… the right one, gets us to the next (big) thing all the sooner.
Library Services, Marketing, Tech, chrystie
patron stories
June 26th, 2008 | Permalink | 4 Comments

My colleague Zola Maddison mentioned to me today that she thought we ought to publish the patron stories behind or alongside the library staff stories we tell at WebJunction.

So, what if when we talked about what Rachel does for her library in the Mission Branch of San Francisco Public, we could also hear the voices of some of her patrons talking about how her library services have changed and enriched their lives?

That is why we do this stuff, afterall.

Zola’s comments came after a whirl-wind hour of Knowledge Cafe-ing, hosted by Betha and Emily, based on their time at SLA this year. At the end of that session we were talking about actions and outcomes from the Cafe. ‘Just let it change you,’ I said, ‘let it influence our work’. But what I think I may have meant was more simple than that, even: ‘just let it remind you’.
Advocacy, Library Services, Marketing, chrystie
Wyoming Libraries Campaign
September 20th, 2007 | Permalink | Comment?

I think that what Wyoming is doing to market their libraries is very cool. This particular image is sure to raise a few eyebrows, but I think it’s great!! Be sure to take a look at the whole campaign. They’ve done a great job.

wyominglibs
Originally uploaded by WebJunction
ALA2007, Conferences, Marketing
The WebJunction PEZ Dispenser Post
June 14th, 2007 | Permalink | 6 Comments

My coworkers here at WebJunction are a patient lot. They work hard every day knowing that at some point there is a very real possibility that I will march right up to them and start talking about, of all things, PEZ dispensers.

I know that sounds strange, but don’t be fooled! These PEZ discussion really are about work (most of the time anyway), work that is about to happily culminate in the dissemination of our very own WebJunction PEZ dispensers! That’s right; you may soon be one of the roughly 120 WebJunction members that will soon be the proud owners of some very spiffy, very limited edition (only 150 were made), highly collectible WebJunction PEZ dispenser. This could mean you! So how do you get one?

First, everyone should know that this special little PEZ was designed primarily as a giveaway for this year’s ALA Annual Conference. So, if you attend our big WebJunction event next Friday, June 22nd and are one of the first 100 WebJunction members to bop around the room partying, visiting, learning and answering a very short question sheet, you will get one of these super spiffy PEZ dispensers. So if you are especially keen on acquiring a WJ PEZ, arrive early and join the party! *Just a note, we do have lots of other activities, games and giveaways planned for this giganto event. It will be so much fun that, believe it or not, even without PEZ it would be a pretty fab party.*

Sadly, large numbers of limited edition custom PEZ dispensers are cost prohibitive so we only have so many to go around. We also know that a very large number of our members cannot make it to our party at ALA. Sooooo…. If you are a registered WebJunction member currently working in, for or with libraries and you really, really want one, you have a chance. We have set 20 dispensers aside and will hold a drawing for them shortly after our return from the conference in DC. There are some requirements that you’ll see on the drawing sign-up page but as long as you meet them (and you really, really want a WebJunction PEZ dispenser) feel free to register. The link to sign up for the giveaway is here **UPDATE** We’ve given away all of our PEZ dispensers for this event and want to thank everyone for participating. We hope you are enjoying your WebJunction PEZ!

Here are the WebJunction Reception/Party details:
Venue: Renaissance, Washington, Grand Ballroom Central
Location:999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, District Of Columbia
Date: Friday, June 22
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 PM ET
Required Dress: Your sassiest librarian outfit. (Or business casual)

And just in case you wondered, my own personal obsession with PEZ is nicely documented by following this link. Additionally, Chrystie and Rachel can attest to the majesty of the Burlingame Museum of PEZ Memorabilia, which printed these custom “fantasy” PEZ for us and which we also recently visited while in the Bay Area for a Community Unconference and a meeting at the RLG offices. A grand time was had by all!
ALA2007, Marketing, News, Spanish Outreach
Resource Party
May 23rd, 2007 | Permalink | Comment?

We are very excited about our partnership with the REFORMA DC Metro Area Chapter to sponsor this year’s PIÑATA DE RECURSOS/RESOURCE PIÑATA Exhibit. The event highlights outstanding Spanish language library marketing and public relations materials and will be held at the REFORMA Fundraiser Reception in Washington, DC on Sunday, June 24, 2007. And did I mention the REFORMA Reception is at the Venezuelan Embassy!

At the PIÑATA DE RECURSOS/RESOURCE PIÑATA Exhibit, guests will view the materials and take ideas back to their libraries. We will also post all of the materials on WebJunction after the event (stay tuned!). Submissions can be from all types of libraries and we welcome all Spanish language library materials. Contact Elena Tscherny for more information about submission guidelines and deadlines.

We hope to see there!
Design, Marketing, Meet Ups, Online Collaboration, Social Computing, Tags and Taxonomies
flickr fun
October 25th, 2006 | Permalink | Comment?

One of the most engaging programs I attended today at IL2006 was Michael Porter’s presentation on Flickr and the libraries and librarians group there. Michael described how his involvement in the project evolved over time, how the group grew to include more than 900 members and close to six thousand photos, and how that growth had naturally caused the group to self-moderate with tagging guidelines or suggestions and a bit of back-end volunteer work. His description confirmed what we’ve been learning at WebJunction about the wisdom of groups and their tendency to self-moderate when they have ownership or particular community roles. (Let’s set aside for a moment the fact that I defy that statement myself – having posted a number of pictures to the group pool without, I am sure, adherence to suggested guidelines…)
But the most fascinating (and impressive) thing to me about Michael’s program was not flickr, nor his group, nor his group’s growth� – it was (drum roll please) the ultra-suave way he brought in voices from around the world (literally) to help him tell his story.

People in the libraries and librarians group in Flickr from both Spain and Australia did voiceovers for their portions of the program. They talked over their demonstrations – which were done in PPT, I think, but maybe there was some flash involved. It was so simple, but a nice big photograph of each speaker as they began, along with name and title, and Michael gave his audience the feeling of meeting someone online. Impressive! It has me thinking about how we (the WebJunction community) can bring our members into these types of conference or meeting settings without even physically being there. Next time we have a member reception at ALA or something, why not let WJ members who can’t or won’t be there tell their library’s story in a similar way? Any volunteers?
Though this one may be my favorite, it’s one of a thousand new ideas I have after being here. Lucky me – lucky us. Now it’s just a matter of sorting through them all!
Marketing, Weekly Tips
Weekly Tip: Use this free library wireless graphic
September 11th, 2006 | Permalink | Comment?

Got wireless in your library? Use this image to let folks know.
Marketing
What a way to start PLA!
March 22nd, 2006 | Permalink | Comment?

A few of us WebJunction folks were thrilled to join the nearly 150 rural librarians who attended a fantastic day-long workshop sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and PLA (thank you!!). Promoting Public Libraries: Using Data and Advocacy to Build Support and Funding was filled with practical and valuable resources, numerous successful advocacy efforts and stories, stories, stories! From a librarian showcasing her library’s resources in the local hair salon to having the town commissioner work the circ desk during peak hours (good way to demonstrate staffing needs, eh?) there were all sorts of great ideas flying around, just like the UFO’s that helped the now world renowned Aztec Public Library in their advocacy efforts (check out the UFO Symposium!). The workshop’s presentations and resources, are posted on WJ, and be sure to keep your ears/eyes open for more conversation from those that attended. If only every first conference experience could be like this!!
Library Services, Marketing
Teens in charge
November 23rd, 2005 | Permalink | Comment?

Chrystie recently suggested looking at teens as a key to libraries’ branding quandry. If we can successfully develop and sell library services to teens it bodes well for our ability to adapt to the expectations of some of our most challenging, demanding, and exciting users. I can’t think of a better way to keep us moving and thriving. Especially if we involve teens themselves in making decisions about our services and marketing.

Jill Stover’s Library Marketing blog has an inspiring interview with Meg Canada, the Coordinator for the Hennepin County (MN) Library’s TeenLinks program, including some cool marketing ideas–and even cooler involvement of teens in advising and developing content.

At WebJunction, the Milton (Ontario, Canada) Public Library, our Library of the Month, is developing both on-site and online spaces for teens, and a teen advisory group will help guide Milton’s work.

And in a recent discussion on teen services on WebJunction’s discussion boards several folks pointed to resources on teen advisory boards including those available at YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services Association) TAGS (Teen Advisory Group Site). Jennifer Peterson has shared a list of resources as well some tips for program success. Thanks Jennifer!
Library Management, Library Services, Marketing
Re-branding Libraries?
November 17th, 2005 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Driving home from work one night this week I was struck by this story on NPR’s All Things Considered:

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is re-branding her city. As part of the effort, the city commissioned a theme song from hip-hop artist Dallas Austin. The song, she says, is intended to appeal to young people�

Great cities are built for the future and any mayor around the world will tell you that; we go to work, not just to fill the potholes on any given day, but rather to be a part of a planning process that prepares this city for success twenty and thirty years later. You must reach out to young people to be a successful city; but the question then becomes: do you have the nerve to say that? And in Atlanta, we do�

This song needs to represent the future of our city and the diversity of our city. It�s a lot easier to use the words �we want to represent everyone� and in fact find a place for everyone to participate.

Insert the word library in the place of city in the comments above and I wonder if we�d be on to something. We talk a lot about libraries, marketing, services, and teens. But last night it all came together for me: could YA services be the key to our branding quandary?

(BTW: he�s no hip-hop artist, but I know someone who can write some clever library lyrics.)

about

search

Links

Categories

Archives Last 12 Months

Archives By Year

Pages

WJ Flickr Pictures

feeds

Meta

Copyright

Category

Marketing

Marketing, Online Collaboration, Webinar, collections

Community Building, Library Services, Marketing, News, Webinar

Marketing, Webinar

Library Services, Marketing

Marketing, Web 2.0

ALA MW 2009, Community Building, Funding, Library Management, Marketing, Online Collaboration

Library Services, Marketing, Tech, chrystie

Advocacy, Library Services, Marketing, chrystie

ALA2007, Conferences, Marketing

ALA2007, Marketing, News, Spanish Outreach

Design, Marketing, Meet Ups, Online Collaboration, Social Computing, Tags and Taxonomies

Marketing, Weekly Tips

Library Services, Marketing

Library Management, Library Services, Marketing