1. By Joan VanSickle Sloan
Blount County Public Library

2. Libraries aren’t just books any
more
Librarians know, but how do we let the community
know of the wonderful resources at the library?

3. We know that libraries have
Internet computers
DVDs, Videos, Music CDs,
AudioBooks, Video games,
Downloadable Books

4. Wireless Access Ability to adapt computers
for disabilities

5. Microfilm Readers,
Printers &
Digital Scanners
Genealogy & Local
History Collections

6. Most of all, libraries have excellent
staff who are
Friendly
Helpful
Hardworking
Creative Fun-
loving
Willing

7. So…How do we let the community
know what wonderful resources
exist at the library?
With:
 No additional funding
or limited funding
 Current staff
 Limited facility space

8. Re-think possibilities
 Most local authors, speakers, musicians,
exhibitors – will come free, at no cost
 IF, in return, they
 Receive ample publicity in the media,
 Can be reasonably assured of a good audience,
 Can sell books or CDs at the program
Dr. Bill Bass – sold out
Self Portraits by Carl Gombert

9. Staff Members often have talents &
abilities other than their job skills:
 Who is a good writer?
 Who can videotape?
 Who takes wonderful photographs?
 Who is familiar with local music groups?
 Who has contacts with artists?
 Who is very organized for coordinating
events?
 Who works well with volunteers?
 Who can meet deadlines for
publicity?

10. Re-think use of space
in your library:
 Move tables and chairs to
 create a “stage.”
 Are there open areas that could be
adapted for programs?
 Could existing rooms be
converted to multi-use?
 Have events outdoors when appropriate.
 Could bulletin boards or carpeted panels
be added to walls for art exhibits?
 Could library purchase
 display case(s)?

11. Then…we have to find our own pot of gold…and…
Celebrate What We Have:
 Identify the strengths of your library
 Work effectively with the media
 Host events
 Get to know people in the community &
Let the community get to know you
 Develop partnerships & collaborations

12. Identify & list the strengths:
What’s unique about
your library?
For example:
 Staff with expertise
in….
 Collection strengths
 Technology/databases
 Facilities
 Volunteers (Friends of
the Library & others)
 College Student Interns
 Programs & Events

13. Identify one service to
publicize
 Tennessee Electronic Library – new feature
 Special event
 New equipment, software or database
 Reference staff expertise
 Local History/Genealogy Collection/HeritageQuest
Online
 Internet computers
 Wireless access
 DVDs, Videos, AudioBooks
 Location for study, tutoring, meetings
 Community Resources Information Database
 Friendly, helpful staff
 Library as Community Gathering Place

14. Tennessee Electronic
Library
 Learning Express Library
 Practice tests for students, career licensures
 Job Search Workplace Skills
○ Creating Resumes
○ Taking Interviews
 Homework Assistance
 Business & Industry Information
 Genealogy (e.g., HeritageQuest Online)
 Leisure Reading
 Kids InfoBits

15. Be Prepared for Public
Response to Publicity
 Make sure all staff know of service or event.
 Make sure all necessary staff is trained and
informed.
 Make sure all volunteers are trained & ready.
 Have at least one back-up plan.
 Don’t publicize if can’t provide service, event,
information, etc.

16. In-Library Publicity/Training
 Include staff members on committees to plan events
 Create/Post One-page Flyers (MS Word or
Publisher) or Posters
 Email News Releases to all staff, board members,
volunteers
 Accomplish any staff training necessary (e.g., new
equipment or software, steps in completing special
processes)
 Discuss upcoming events in staff &/or department
meetings
 Train volunteers

17. Then…we have to find our own pot of gold…and…
Celebrate What We Have:
 Identify the strengths of your library
Work effectively with the media
 Host events
 Get to know people in the community
 Let the community get to know you
 Develop partnerships & collaborations

18. For good media publicity,
You don’t have to buy Ads--
For libraries, much publicity is
FREE:
 News releases as news articles, even may include
pictures.
 News interviews (print, radio, TV)
 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) – TV/Radio
 Email Distribution
 Print Media
 Electronic Media (Radio/TV)
 Web Sites (usually individual submission)
 Patrons, Special Interest Groups (email @ request of patron)

19. Work effectively with the media
To get FREE & accurate representation in the media:
 Meet/Get to know people who are responsible for library news
 Print media: Daily & Weekly Newspaper editors , Community newsletters
 Electronic media:
○ Radio and television community calendar and news room personnel
○ Web site manager
 Call, make appointment
 Go to their office
 Invite them to library
 Find out deadlines for each media & meet those deadlines
 Read the newspapers carefully; review web sites; watch TV
news

20. Effective Media Relations (Cont’d)
 Write news releases (Who, what, when, where,
how)
 Find out deadlines for each media & meet those
deadlines
 Submit all releases by email to correct editor(s)
 Include photos, if available & if you have a written
consent form
○ For minors, must have parent/guardian
signature
 Speakers & performers will often
submit digital images for publicity

21. Effective Media Relations (Cont’d)
 Interviews for special events
 To plug important speakers
○ Ask speaker if willing to be interviewed
○ Ask for speaker’s contact information
○ Contact specific editor/media contact to inquire if they’d like
to do an interview
○ Email contact information/program information to editor
 To be interviewed yourself
○ Prepare what you want to say/emphasize before the
interview
○ Provide reporter with a written copy of what you want to say
○ May request written interview rather than verbal for print
media

22. News Release Format
 Library Logo & address information
 Immediate Release
 Contact name, phone, email
 Suggested heading(s)
 City (Date)
 Intro paragraph – most important data
 Content = who, what, when, where, why
 Library information – address, web site, phone,
disclaimers, etc.
 “End” or “# # #” (journalism-speak for “That’s all, folks!”)

23. Sample News Release

24. Sample News Release
Closing

25. Electronic Media
Can Also be Free & Accurate:
Television & Radio Stations offer
 Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) –
free 10 to 20-second spots
 Submit one-to-two sentences: who what, when,
where
 Submit by email - three to six weeks prior to event
 Community Calendar - scroll of events
 Contact stations 2-3 weeks prior to event if
desire video/live coverage of event

26. Then…we have to find our own pot of gold…and…
Celebrate What We Have:
 Identify the strengths of your library
 Work effectively with the media
Host events
 Get to know people in the community
 Let the community get to know you
 Develop partnerships & collaborations

27. Host Events:
Connect the community with
information and resources.
120 teens at Teen Twilight Party
Book & Poster Display
63 at “Successful Budgeting
During Economic Slump” &
300 at Job Resource Day
280 at “Christabel &
the Jons” concert

28. Support the library’s mission
statement/purpose:
An Example:
The mission of the library is
to engage and serve our community,
as a center for lifelong learning,
inspiring people to enrich their lives and
become more knowledgeable and effective

29. Authors – some well-
known…
Richard Peck
Dr. Bill Bass

30. Most authors - local or regional

31. Informational Speakers:
Genealogy

32. Helpful Topics:
Gardening/Landscaping

33. Health / Health Insurance
Information

34. Assistance
for the
Disemployed

35. Music

36. Native American Festival
WW II Navajo Code Talker
Mr. Samuel T. Holiday

37. Teen Twilight Party

38. Edible Book Contest

39. The Big Read – The Grapes of
Wrath

40. So—you decide to offer
programs:
How does one screen for
quality presenters?
 Develop a Programs Policy appropriate
for your library and community.

41. Programs Policy
 Programs (lectures, speakers, workshops,
concerts, drama, dance and art) and
 Festivals (emphasizing heritage, books,
historic organizations and international
influences in Blount County) at the Blount
County Public Library
 Contribute to the fulfillment of the Library’s
purpose of engaging and serving the
community as a center for lifelong learning
and inspiring people to enrich their lives and
become more knowledgeable and effective.
 Programs and festivals involve and connect
the community with the library.

42. Program Approval/Screening
 Program should be interviewed, auditioned
and/or previewed in advance by designated
library staff.
 OR a videotape, CD, DVD and/or press kit
may be sent for review.
 At least one advance interview will occur to
determine arrangements and/or equipment
needed.
 References may be requested.
 The program must be able to be safely and
appropriately performed and/or presented in
the designated location or space available.

43. Program Approval/Screening
(cont’d)
 Program content must be of good quality,
appropriate for family audiences, and able to
remain within time constraints specified by
library staff.
 Content should provide information or
entertainment that meets a community need
or interest or serves as a community
resource at the time of the
performance/lecture/workshop.
 A parent or guardian must represent and/or
accompany any individual performer/presenter
who is under the age of eighteen years.

44. Program Approval/Screening
(cont’d)
 Designated library staff will approve
and schedule all programs and
reserve the right to refuse or stop any
program which does not comply with
library policies.
 The Library Director represents the
Library Board and retains final authority
in all matters related to any program at
the library.

45. Programs Approval/Screening
(cont’d)
 Publicity (by library; request for information)
 Special Equipment (projector, laptop, mic,
speakers, tables)
 Food and Beverages (no alcohol or drugs)
 Liability: The Library does not provide
insurance coverage for program presenters
or any exhibit items or displays related to the
program.

46. Programs Presentation
 In observance of the library board policy that
no individual, company, specific religious
belief or political position be promoted by the
library, all presenters or entertainers are
asked to present only the information and/or
entertainment agreed upon and to avoid
proselytization or marketing solicitation.
 At the time of the program, the presenter(s)
may distribute business cards or
informational materials with contact
information but not prices, catalogs or other
direct marketing items.

47. Programs Presentation (cont’d)
 While entertainers or presenters may sell their
own books or CDs at the library on the date of
the program, that one time will be the only
exception to the library board’s general policy
that no individual or business be permitted to
sell items at the library (see Restrictions).
 An organization or individual may be asked to
stop a presentation not in compliance with
Library policy and/or or to remove any materials
deemed not appropriate by the Library Director
or other designated Library staff.

48. Programs Approval/Screening
(cont’d)
 Restrictions
 Reservations (
 Not more than once per 12 months;
 Unscheduled programs or jamming not permitted)
 Disclaimer
 Exceptions
 Program Areas
 Informational Programs, authors or speakers
 Musical Programs or Concerts
 Outdoor Programs or Concerts
 Children’s Programs
 Teen Programs

49. Programs Approval/Screening
(cont’d)
 Priority
 It is not possible for all potential programs or
entertainment to be scheduled at the Library.
 All program choices and selections are made by
designated staff members or the Library Director.
 Their decision is final.
 Removal
 of inappropriate performer or audience member

50. Exhibits – Art, Genealogy,
Collections

51. Art Exhibits

52. Unusual Exhibits

53. Display/Exhibit Policy
 Criteria for Exhibits that meet library mission
 Exhibits only in approved areas of the library
 Exhibits must be approved by designated staff
 Not-for-profit services to the community
 Fine arts & fine arts events
 Collections or collectibles
 Genealogy
 Informational
 Give a copy of display policy to all exhibitors
 Registration form/disclaimer for all exhibitors on
file at library, signed by exhibitor.

54. Then…we have to find our own pot of gold…and…
Celebrate What We Have:
 Identify the strengths of your library
 Work effectively with the media
 Host events
Get to know people in the
community & Let the community
get to know you
 Develop partnerships & collaborations

55. Get to know people in the
community & let them get to know
you: Read the newspaper
 Attend 2-1-1 meetings (to learn agencies that
provide services)
 Participate in other area library and museum
organizations and boards
 Join the Chamber of Commerce
 Attend mixers, workshops, planning meetings
 Join local civic organizations (Kiwanis, Rotary,
Civitan, Lions Club)
 Participate in United Way & service
organizations and boards
 Participate in personal interest organizations:
 Hobby groups; other organizations

56. Then…we have to find our own pot of gold…and…
Celebrate What We Have:
 Identify the strengths of your library
 Work effectively with the media
 Host events
 Get to know people in the community
Develop partnerships &
collaborations

57. Develop
Partnerships/Collaborations--
in the Community:
 Local Schools, Colleges
 Student Art Exhibits
 Student Music Programs/Concerts
 Professors/teachers as speakers
 College student interns
 College student research/surveys
 Parks & Recreation Department
 Assist with sports/recreational events
 Local History/Genealogy Groups/Museums

58. Community Collaborations (Cont’d)
 Hospitals/Health Department/Clinics
 Unemployed options for health care, insurance
 Medicare Part D implementation
 TennCare Disenrollment program
 Chamber of Commerce
 Job Resource Day – unemployment, job interview,
resume, managing finances/loans, re-training
resources
 AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

59. Community Collaborations
(Cont’d)
 Outreach to Ethnic Groups—E.g., Hispanics--
Host a Festival, Develop a Directory of
Resources (bilingual), Children’s Story Hour,
books/videos in Spanish
 Churches
 Restaurants
 Hispanic Chamber
 Adult Education (English as Second Language)

60. Develop
Partnerships/Collaborations--
Regionally:
 Regional Library Offices
 Authors (Local, Regional)
 Musicians—amateur & professional
 soloists, bands, orchestras, choirs, instrumental
 jazz, opera, blue grass, country, pop,
contemporary, blues, classical
 University specialists
 4-H & Agricultural Extension Offices

61. Develop
Partnerships/Collaborations--
Regionally:
 Special Interest Organizations
 2-1-1
 Museums
 Other libraries
 Teacher organizations
 Professional organizations

62. Develop
Partnerships/Collaborations--
Nationally:
 US Dept. of Education – FAFSA forms
for students entering college
 US Internal Revenue Service – Tax
forms
 Voter registration forms

63. Develop
Partnerships/Collaborations--
Even Internationally:
 Open World/Sister Cities
 Children’s/Teen’s Library Pen Pals
 Student Art work Exhibits (even via email)
 Librarian Exchange Program

64. In-Library Publicity
 Keep your staff in-the-know about new
events and services
 Create a one-page monthly calendar of
events
 For each event, create one-page flyers
(MSWord or Publisher) or posters
 Post flyers/posters on bulletin boards in
main public traffic areas of library
 Involve staff in participating in events
 Add events information on web site

65. Create a one-page events
calendar

66. Some Library Web Sites
 Ann Arbor Public Library
http://www.aadl.org
 Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
(North Carolina)
http://www.plcmc.org/
 New York Public Library
http://www.nypl.org/
 San Diego Public Library/City of SanDiego
http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/
 San Diego County Library
http://www.sdcl.org/

67. Events Blogs
 Ann Arbor Public Library
http://www.aadl.org/events/blog
 Arlington Library in Virginia
http://arlingtonlibraryevents.blogspot.com/
 Davenport Public Library
http://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/pr/
 Brooklyn Library No Shush Zone has links to the library’s
Facebook and Twitter pages
http://blog.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/

68. Ann Arbor Public Library
http://www.aadl.org/events/blog

69. Arlington Library in Virginia
http://arlingtonlibraryevents.blogspot.com/

70. Davenport Public Library
http://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/pr/

71. Brooklyn Library No Shush Zone has
links to the library’s Facebook and Twitter
pages:
http://blog.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/

72. Some Marketing Web Sites
 http://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/admin/marketi
nglib/index.cfm, ALA Marketing resources for libraries
 http://www.claritas.com/MyBestSegments/Default.jsp -
Claritas , a marketing firm, provides zip code-specific
demographic information. Viewer can participate in the zip
code look-up without registering to find average income,
education, housing, ethnicity & consumer lifestyles.
 http://midhudson.org/byb/ - Building Your Base program
data base through the Mid-Hudson Library site—ideas for
connecting with your community by newsletters, voice mail,
email, online sites, word-of-mouth marketing & more.

73. Marketing Newsletters
 TLA Newsletter
 ALA News & Such
 MLS (Marketing Library Services –
monthly newsletter published by
Learned Information, Medford, NJ 08055

74. Promote your library as the wonderful
resource it is:
Market Your Library in Your
Community!

75. Joan VanSickle Sloan
Community Outreach Coordinator
Blount County Public Library
(865) 982-0981 or (865)273-1408