CrEaTiVe library communication with the public...
“1. Libraries change lives; 2. Libraries build community; 3. Libraries mean business; and, 4. Libraries are a smart investment.” (Reed, 2010). Lori Reed is a library marketing consultant who has summarized, in very simple terms, the “wonders” of the library. That is the intention of marketing the library to the public. Let them know what a wonderful treasure is available for them… what it has to offer… how libraries can help them in all aspects of their lives.
Marketing requires creativity. Jill Stover, in her blog, provides a wonderful discussion about her talk on library marketing and creativity. She believes everyone has creativity, however, in order to tap that creativity one has to be willing to attach themselves to various creative associations. This could be through destructive means whereby you destroy something in order to rebuild; you take a risk on something new; you are proactive by putting into action new ideas; view creativity as continuous so that you can change with needs and technology, to name a few. She says, “Creativity is the process by which we remain relevant.” (Stover, 2007).
Creating displays for the library is a way to let users know what is going on. This keeps us relevant. There may be an informative program coming up either at your own branch or one nearby. A community group may be having a workshop in your meeting room. Are you in a contest to see which branch can recycle the most paper? These activities are not going to be of interest to everyone, but they will be of interest to many. Letting folks know about these activities may “change lives and build community.” (Reed, 2010) How can this information be presented creatively so as to attract attention? Search out ideas from co-workers. Stover believes “you can’t be creative solo.” She also says “active observation and just being aware is THE MOST IMPORTANT way to come up with creative ideas.
Don’t be afraid if you think you are not creative. Dig deep down and take a chance. The worst that can happen is one of your co-workers shares their opinion. This can be a good thing. Constructive criticism can only improve the final or next project. So, solicit their input up front and get started!
Works cited:
Reed, L. (2010, October 14). Outstanding elevator speech. [Web log comment]. Retrieved from
http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/oustanding-elevator-speech.html.
Stover, J. (2007, November 15). NEISIST Talk. [Web log link]. Retrieved from
http://librarymarketing.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html.
Updated 11/20/2010
Marketing requires creativity. Jill Stover, in her blog, provides a wonderful discussion about her talk on library marketing and creativity. She believes everyone has creativity, however, in order to tap that creativity one has to be willing to attach themselves to various creative associations. This could be through destructive means whereby you destroy something in order to rebuild; you take a risk on something new; you are proactive by putting into action new ideas; view creativity as continuous so that you can change with needs and technology, to name a few. She says, “Creativity is the process by which we remain relevant.” (Stover, 2007).
Creating displays for the library is a way to let users know what is going on. This keeps us relevant. There may be an informative program coming up either at your own branch or one nearby. A community group may be having a workshop in your meeting room. Are you in a contest to see which branch can recycle the most paper? These activities are not going to be of interest to everyone, but they will be of interest to many. Letting folks know about these activities may “change lives and build community.” (Reed, 2010) How can this information be presented creatively so as to attract attention? Search out ideas from co-workers. Stover believes “you can’t be creative solo.” She also says “active observation and just being aware is THE MOST IMPORTANT way to come up with creative ideas.
Don’t be afraid if you think you are not creative. Dig deep down and take a chance. The worst that can happen is one of your co-workers shares their opinion. This can be a good thing. Constructive criticism can only improve the final or next project. So, solicit their input up front and get started!
Works cited:
Reed, L. (2010, October 14). Outstanding elevator speech. [Web log comment]. Retrieved from
http://themwordblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/oustanding-elevator-speech.html.
Stover, J. (2007, November 15). NEISIST Talk. [Web log link]. Retrieved from
http://librarymarketing.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html.
Updated 11/20/2010