Monday, December 14, 2009

Promoting New Library Services


There's been a lot of talk lately about library promotion and marketing.  By promoting library services you are informing your users about what you do and what you can do. When you promote library services effectively, you can expect to see increased usage, increased value in the organization, education of users and changed perceptions.
While promotion is important for the library as a whole, it is especially important for new services.  Promoting new library services is the only way to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Put up posters in the library for upcoming programs
Distribute brochures and program guides
Bring program guides/brochures to senior’s centre, day cares, etc.
Put posters up in the community where there are bulletin boards (grocery store or community centre)
• Make sure board members know what is going on in the library and can talk up new programs/services
• Write an article about the new library service for your town's newspaper/newsletter
• Use the school newsletter when appropriate
• Give out flyers or bookmarks at the circulation desk
• Advertise on your website or on your town's website
• Visit community organizations to talk up the new service
Talk to your patrons!  Make sure all front-end staff are spreading a consistent message.

Try a few of these promotional tactics, just be sure to keep your message consistent.  If you need help creating posters, writing newspaper articles, etc. just give Consulting Services a call!






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