Who Will Help Me - University Library Video

Video recommended by Stephen Abrahms:  “Here’s a great video (0:51) promoting the libraries at the University of Alberta. In my opinion, it does four things very well: 

1. It focuses on the core messages; 
2. it really does it in the appropriate amount of time for an online PSA;
3. it uses the real staff and promotes their talents and roles; and 
4. it doesn’t let humor override the professional message.”... Stephen’s Lighthouse, Oct. 12; YouTube, Oct. 6

Explore the Universe @ Your Library

Nice theme: Explore the Universe @ Your Library. Especially if they are kept open! It is good to see the American Library Association continuing to establish partnerships with other educational organizations.

IMAX and ALA have entered into a partnership to promote NASA and the HUBBLE 3D movie via a contest for kids. Children in grades K-12 just have to answer six questions. Prizes include:

• Grand prize (1 winner): 25 IMAX® tickets, a telescope and a signed Hubble 3D poster
• 1st prize (1 winner): Family 4-pack of IMAX® tickets, a telescope and a signed Hubble 3D post
• 2nd prize (2 winners): Family 4-pack of IMAX® tickets and a Hubble 3D poster
• 3rd prize (3 winners): Pair of IMAX® tickets and a Hubble 3D poster

The movie launches in IMAX and IMAX 3D theaters on March 19; Contest runs through April 30. According to American Libraries Direct:

"Avid library patrons will be able to journey through distant galaxies and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult tasks in the history of NASA, thanks to a new partnership between IMAX and ALA. Through April 30, ALA’s public awareness website, atyourlibrary.org, will host “Explore the Universe @ your library,” a contest held in partnership with IMAX’s Hubble 3D movie. Hubble 3D opens in IMAX and IMAX 3D theaters across the country March 19...."
American Libraries news, Mar. 3

Change Agent - Librarians' Badge

Came across several "change agent" badges from a library advocacy program by Metropolitan Group. The badge is more like an old West sheriff's badge, so it might be of particular interest to California and Western U.S. librarians. Given this is is a major time for change in our world and California, this might be an excellent time for librarians to wear a "change agent" badge.

Out of circulation: School librarians are in short supply

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) published an excellent article in California Schools Magazine titled "Out of circulation: School librarians are in short supply" by Pamela Martineau about California teacher librarians. The author interviewed California School Library Association president Connie Hamner Williams, California Department of Education School Library Consultant Barbara Jeffus, San Benito High School Teacher Librarian Dr. Doug Achterman, and Fullerton Joint Union High School District Teacher Librarian Marie Slim.

Read, Know, Grow - Wordle.net

Having fun... created another word design using wordle.net and saved several versions to the gallery. Search under "Read, Know, Grow" by Library Advocate.

ALA Chicago Conference - PIO/PR Forum

Here are American Library Association Chicago Conference 2009 notes from the ALA PIO/PR program:

• Alert state and local PTA to “I Love My Librarian” contest so they can nominate their local school teacher librarians. Http://atyourlibrary.org is meant for the general public and for Teacher Librarians to use for content.

• PR Tips on ala.org/PRForum

• Dave Baum, former Chicago radio broadcaster and principal of Dave Baum Media Training Group spoke on “Using radio to deliver your messages”. Dave works with the ALA.
  

  • He says that regardless of market size, radio stations share the same strategy.

  • Internet radio might be a good tool for librarians.

  • Three (3) reasons people listen to radio: music, news & info, LOCAL content. LOCAL=LIBRARIES.

  • To use radio well, do your homework. Research your local radio stations; Ask yourself who you want to talk to – who is your audience?

  • How to be relevant:

    • Get in touch with ALA PR (PIO)

    • What are listeners interested in? Now it is jobs, economy. TELL STORIES. Bring out successful stories from patrons. What RESOURCES can libraries offer listeners? WORK HARD TO COLLECT STORIES.

    • Research which radio stations reach your audience; Check their websites. Contact the producer – say you have an idea for a story.

    • Check back with ALA about what you are pitching, what is your angle.

    • READ THE NEWSPAPERS so you can be relevant (radio and TV steal from newspapers).

• Tom MacNamee, Editor, Editorial Page, Chicago Sun Times (Op-eds, letters to the editor)

  • Newspapers are changing in interesting ways. Libraries should play off news of the day (ie, economy) and DETAILS/hard facts about the local library (concrete news). Libraries need to develop a personal connection with their newspaper editors – e-mail and call. News editors respect people who KNOW and are COMMITTED to their jobs.

  • Editorial paper.

    • Editorial. In house meetings, editorial meeting goal to personally meet and discuss issues. In order to get a message across, never bring more than 3-4 people. Less is better.

    • OP-ED: 400-500 words. TELL A STORY. Find a personal story to kick off your OP-ED.

    • Letters to the Editor.

  • People primarily read papers TO BE ENTERTAINED, so tell a good story, use real people.

  • Feature stories. Most reporters are busy and some are lazy, so make it easy for them.

    • Get your ducks in a row (ex: 3 contacts or 3 examples of people to write about)

    • Give statistics that make the story.

    • Best way to get a good “spin” is to be honest, friendly, and approachable.

    • E-mail to editor to see who to contact about a story.

    • Chicago Tribune has a place for ALL local news at http://TRIBLOCAL.com and once a week this appears in their print version of the paper.

• George Eberhart, ALA's American Libraries Direct. Weekly Wednesday eNewsletter. See http://ala.org/aldirect

  • One of the most effective marketing tools of ALA is American Libraries Direct. At one time, American Libraries Magazine filled this role. [note: I love it, but it comes too frequently!]
    

  • Each article has 4 parts: headline, text snippet, image, and link.

  • This is a way to market ALA products, news, etc.

  • Two (2) audiences:

    • ALA members and non-members (recently opened to non-members)

    • ALA Offices, Affinity groups, Roundtables

  • Basic facts on news.

  • Relevant graphics.

  • Re-write headlines.

  • Have ALA create a press release for your ALA event or news (CSLA news releases!)

  • Other news. Send link to ALDirect@ala.org (CSLA news welcome and encouraged). Send photo, logo, graphic element. Put who/what/when/where/why up front. Use headlines (i.e., mention Oprah, use lists like “top 10”, secrets of, humor, metaphors, allusions, mild exageration)

  • Put the http://ala.org/aldirect news link on the CSLA website, blog, twitter, facebook, etc.

• Eric Friedenwald-Fishman – The Power of VOICE. Metropolitan Group. “Why Multicultural Communication Matters.” See booklet on “Increasing Relevance, Relationships, and Results.”

  • Messages to Hispanic Community:

    • Libraries ensure that knowledge and information are free and accessible to use.

    • Libraries are critical pathways to opportunity

    • Libraries express value and values of diverse audiences through programs

• Kevin Kirpatrick: Delivering your message via social media.

  • PROS:

1. Cost effective

2. Faster

3. It is about creating relationships and conversations with people

4. Easy to update.

5. Ability to customize.

6. Groups come together on affinities and expertise

7. Profiles serve as identities

8. Connections build networks

9. Tweet your library!

• Website priorities:

1. Update frequently!!!

2. Refresh the look and feel of site

3. Tell stories/communicate impact

4. Increase opportunities for interactivity – add engaging photos!

5. Add contact information.

6. Add tell-a-friend, twitter, Facebook page (ex – see Brampton Library)

• How can you offer yourself as a resource?

Libraries to the Rescue - Podcasts from IMLS

The Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS) launched a podcast series on "Libraries to the Rescue". Discussions focus on library solutions or actions to help Americans through
the economic crisis.

According to a news release from IMLS:

• Five episodes cover how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance.
  
• Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate the IMLS library audience.
• Featured presenters are State Librarians for five states including North Carolina (Job Search Workshop), Michigan (Virtual e-Library for residents: tests, tutorials and more), New York (Research and Resource Base for jobs, inventions, new businesses), Washington (Project Hard Times), and Connecticut (Residents are cuttting costs by using the library for entertainment, programming, coping and cook books, magazines, books. Webjunction Connecticut resources.)
  
• Libraries to the Rescue audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes. See http://www.imls.gov/resources/podcasts_Jun09.shtm

Expecting a Surge in (Library) Usage this Summer?

American Library Association Media Relations Manager Macey Morales is asking ALA members to send her stories. It appears that she is seeking stories about public libraries, but school, academic and special libraries have stories too! Here is her request:

As libraries throughout the country continue to experience an increase in usage, the American Library Association is gathering stories on how libraries are preparing to meet summer demand for your services. Since many families can't afford to go on vacation this year and will continue to turn to the library as a free resource, we would like to know how your library is preparing. Tell us about any new programs, resources, staffing impact, use of volunteers, etc. that will help you manage what will be a busy summer. Your stories may appear in media relations outreach being done by ALA to highlight the value of libraries and librarians.

Check out ALA's Public Information Office blog, Visibility @ your library^®

2009 Librareo contest - video contest by Gales

Gales has announced a new Librareo video contest. Grand Prize is $5,000. See details on or after April 12, 2009 -- National Library Week. The contest was started in 2007.

free2(fill-in-the-blank) Library Advertising Campaign

The Bay Area Library & Information System (BALIS) launched its Free2 library advertising campaign statewide and invites other California libraries to join.

Joining Free2 gives a library access to the Free2 intranet with the style and messaging guide, BBMG visual language and brand book, and many samples of materials produced by participating libraries, such as bookmarks, vendor information and specifications for mouse pads, stickers, posters, tee-shirts, just to name a few free2 products, as well as support and ideas in using free2 successfully. Contact Terry Jackson for how your library can join.

Think of the promotional freedom: free2Vote, free2Create, free2Give, free2Podcast. The list goes on and on. How about free2Borrow'N'BrowseBooks or free2READ.

"What I wish everyone knew about librarians" - Writing Contest

Seen in American Libraries Direct 8/6/2008 --
A writing contest for librarians!

Smart Poodle Publishing has announced a writing contest for a 1,500 word (or less) essay on "What I wish everyone knew about librarians." The company states: "Smart Poodle Publishing knows that librarians can make a world of difference in the lives of readers everywhere from every age and at every reading level! We feel that librarians are sometimes under appreciated or misunderstood. Now is your chance to speak out by entering our contest." Three winners will get prizes of $50, $100, or $150.

Potentially excellent PR. I'm sure some of our friends and relatives would like to take a try at that topic!

Library Take-Out

A California librarian asked colleagues across the nation if any other library had "Fair/Festival Kits" for staff to take to street fairs or festivals.

My favorite response was an invitation to check out Georgia-based DeKalb County Library's kiosk, "Library Take Out", a portable display. It is so cool PLUS it has a logo and webpage devoted to it. Kudos to DeKalb.

TIPS on ALA Celebrity READ Posters

American Library Association's Visibility @ Your Library blog featured Rachel Johnson, director of Products and Promotions for ALA Graphics. Rachel provided tips on using ALA Celebrity READ Posters and more. A year ago, Rachel readily gave her approval for getting special "READ" t-shirts available for Yahoo! avatars. See my avatar!

"I Love My Library" Video Contest

Database publisher Thompson-Gale launched an "I Love My Library" video contest to kick off its new website, Librareo, "an online community for libraries and the people who love them." The contest deadline is May 25, 2007. Contest judges at Thompson Gale will select the top 5 videos to be voted on by viewers. Check it out. Videos will be at www.YouTube.com/group/librareo.

Library Avatar Slide Show!

Redwood High School Library Media Teacher Tom K introduced me to this fun slideshow maker. I immediately created a slideshow of a bunch of California school librarian avatars. It would be just as easy to create a virtual library tour, slideshow of Celebrity READ posters, promotion of summer reading program or banned books -- check it out!

Seasons’ Readings! Library Seasonal Themes and Articles

These themes are a starter-set to add to your collection. These would make fun content for an animoto or other mini-music video promotion for literacy and libraries. How would you web 2.0 tools for making you and your library more visible?

January -- There’s SNOW Better Time to Read
Febrary -- Library Lovers’ Month
March 1st -- Read Across America

April -- National Poetry Month OR
April -- D.E.A.R. Day [Drop Everything And Read Day]
May -- Summer Reading Dream’n OR Get Caught Reading
June -- Summer Reading Action Plan

August -- Back to School Sharing, What did you read?
September -- Library Card Sign-up Month
September -- Freedom to Read Week/Banned Books Week

October -- Teen Reads Week and Halloween Bookmarks
November -- Do You Dewey? What’s your favorite number?
December -- Family Reading Together. Seasons’ Readings!

Library Cheer

How do you spell Library? California Library Association president Margaret Miles opened the 2007 CLA conference, themed "Raise Our Voices" with the Library Cheer, which InfoPeople.org captured and posted to YouTube. Margaret also led the Library Cheer in the Spring when California librarians gathered in Sacramento for Library Legislation Day. Words for the Library Cheer are on the CLA blog on May 9, 2006 and go like this:

Library Cheer!
(leader says what's in caps, crowd say what's in lower-case.

Everybody says hip-hip-hooray!)
L-I-B-R-A-R-Y
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
I SAID L-I-B-R-A-R-Y!
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR POETRY?
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HISTORY?
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
WHERE DO YOU GO IF YOU'RE OLD AND SHY?
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
WHERE DO YOU GO TO LEARN HOW TO FLY?
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
I SAY LIBRARY, YOU SAY CARD
LIBRARY
card
LIBRARY
card
I GOT ONE, AND IT WASN'T TOO HARD
LIBRARY
card
LIBRARY
card
BIG BRICK BUILDING HOW SWEET IT LOOKSSO TAKE ME IN TO THE LAND OF BOOKSTO THE L-I-B-R-A-R-Y
l-i-b-r-a-r-y
IT'S BEEN IN YOUR TOWN FOR A HUNDRED YEARS,LET'S GIVE YOUR LIBRARY THREE BIG CHEERS!
hip-hip-hooray!
hip-hip-hooray!
hip-hip-hooray!