Tag: Tips and Tools

Uncategorized

Lessons to Library School Grads – Don’t Be Vader.

658.8

Today, I’m posting the text of the commencement speech I gave yesterday at the December graduation of the UNC School of Information and Library Science.  Lots of folks have asked me for it, so I thought I’d put it here.  Enjoy – and see you in 2015.

Hoth_battle

From Manning Hall to the Ice Planet of Hoth: Lessons for SILS Grads from The Empire Strikes Back

There are many books that graduates often receive as gifts – Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, The Tao of Pooh.  They all have some sort of deep and meaningful message for grads as you start out on the next stage of your life and career. But there’s another story that I think resonates just as much for you today. One that is also full of deep and meaningful messages as you start out on your careers. And it’s not a book. If I could, I would give you each a copy of The Empire Strikes Back.

Why this movie? I think it’s a treasure trove of wisdom – right up there with Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh.  And it’s got AT-AT Walkers and the Millennium Falcon and a Wampa, so it’s even better.  Continue reading “Lessons to Library School Grads – Don’t Be Vader.” →

Marketing 101, Tips & Tools

Marketing Advice from the Boy Scouts

658.8

Be prepared. 

Just as there are “teaching moments,” there are “marketing moments” – moments when you are able to capture a visual image or a personal story or a quick fact that can be used to convey the library’s value.  Be ready for these!

Tips & Tools

Minute to Market It #2 – Newsletter Mailing List

658.8

A series of short and sweet ideas that you can implement right now.

M2MI #2 – If you maintain a mailing list for your library newsletter, whether it’s in print or electronic format,  take a minute today and check it:

  • Are all of the current Trustees included? Current leadership of the Friends of the Library?  Library Foundation Board of Directors?  As new leaders and members come onto these boards, make sure to get their addresses.
  • Is the mayor on the list? County commissioners?  State representatives?  Remember to update the list after Election Day each year.
  • Is the city or county Public Information Officer or Communications Director on the list?
  • Are area news outlets included?  In addition to sending them press releases and entries for their community calendars, send them your regular newsletter as well.
  • Are the leaders of other community institutions on it?  Make sure that directors of local arts organizations and children’s museums and civic groups get your newsletter and make sure that you receive theirs.

Often our goal is to grow our list and it is easy to overlook these key audiences and assume that they are either already on your list or that they just somehow know about what’s going on at your library.   Continue reading “Minute to Market It #2 – Newsletter Mailing List” →

Tips & Tools

Minute to Market It #1 – Email Sig Files

658.8

The first in a series of short and sweet ideas that you can implement right now.

M2MI #1 – The mini billboard, aka, your email signature file.  Think about how many emails you send in a given day – if your email sig file only shows your name, website, and phone number, you are missing a super easy opportunity to tell someone something about your library.  Continue reading “Minute to Market It #1 – Email Sig Files” →