HIT: Marketing the library Part 2

["Carr, Brenda" <brose@net-magic.net>]

One of my best things was a two or three sheet pamphlet done for parents
when showed the growth in holdings, the growth (change) in program
offerings (we had moved into microfiche, microfilm...big stuff then),
and
we put in a page of questions "Can you answer these questions?" which
were
things one had to know to use the card catalog and indexes (like two
ways
to alphabetize, not looking under a, an, and the, translating
abbreviations like ff., viz., etc.) and as many more as I could think of
that our kids learned through out search program and the parents did not
for the most part know.  It just happened that the administration didn't
either.  Certainly with the advent of technology to add to this there
are
a bag of tricks you teach your students that enables them to be
comfortable with locating information in the school library.  Hunt out
some stumpers that are daily fare and impress your parents with what
their
kids know.  If these are things taught only in your "advanced reference"
course it will explain why you need the course as a high school
elective.
Good luck!
From: Hilda Jay <hlj002@ns1.wmc.car.md.us>

Try my web page for getting a spotlight on the library!
http://members.aol.com/library4u2/690a.htm
From: Terri Lent (Tlent@aol.com)

Several things that I would suggest is a monthly report that includes
not
only statistics of use but also a narrative about activities, unique
reference questions, etc.  Be enthusiastic.  Ask them about needs they
perceive in the building that you can help meet.  Always thank them for
input and any help -- be specific in how their advice or suggestions
have
improved the services you can offer.  Although it's not required in my
building (or buildings -- I supervise 3 libraries with personnel in
each), I
give each principal on Monday morning my schedule with tasks, etc., so
they
each know what I'm doing.  Copy articles that you see will be useful for
them.
From: Elizabeth Letterly <eletterl@abelink.com>

Well, I don’t have any GREAT ideas, but I do know that when I was
teaching a neighboring school about using the internet connection in the
library, the first thing the administrators asked for was how to get to
the stock market and to investment discussion groups (personal
interest).  That might be a clue...
From: Betty Dawn Hamilton (bhamilt@tenet.edu)

I think the first step to marketing your media center is to let the
parents and students know what your program is and what your goals for
the future may be. Once parents know what you hope to accomplish there
is a vision. I use parent volunteers a lot in my media center. They can
readily see how we want to improve and what we need to do to get there.
They are often my best spokesmen. I also include our local, county, and
state lawmakers in our vision by letting them know our needs and
especially praising them for their response on future needs. I am a firm
believer in taking any and all donations gratefully and with letters of
donation in the mail promptly. Even if the item is going immediately
into the recycle bin. The newspaper will often feature people or
companies who make contributions to our media center. We have held
special teas inviting anyone who may be able to help us reach our goals.
I don’t believe you can do enough PR for your media center. Time is the
main deterrent. It takes a great deal of planning and focus to make your
goals clear.
From: LLomers@aol.com