Programming Librarian

From the Library

Copyright Tips for Programming Librarians: Using Images in Programming Materials
Everyone can be a novice graphic artist using computer technologies to capture appealing designs, images, and photos found on the Internet for use in presentations, Web sites, and promotional materials. Some may pause and wonder, “Is this a copyright problem?”

Getting the Word Out: A Crash Course in Program Marketing
What a way to end your first day on a new job! Jamie Lattimer, Coordinator of Cataloging Services at Urbana University’s Swedenborg Memorial Library, cautiously pointed to a stack of three ring notebooks and said “those tell you about a Ben Franklin project that we are supposed to do in August.” August? That was only six months away.

Marketing and PR for Cultural Programs
Publicizing your program is just as important as planning the content. Ideally, you’ll want to make this part of your library’s overall marketing communications plan to maximize results. In the crowded media marketplace these days, both high-tech and high-touch are needed for success.

Repackage, Rebrand, Relaunch: Making Old Programs Look like New
How can we attract new faces to our regularly scheduled programs? It is all about the packaging! When product manufacturers experience stagnating sales, what do they do? They redesign their packaging! For libraries, the time to start changing the package (without necessarily altering the content) is when we want to reach new audiences or offer something new.

From the Blog

2009 John Cotton Dana Awards
This award, given annually for the best in library public relations, increasingly demonstrates the powerful connection between good programming and good PR. Six winners were announced at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in Denver; each library receives a $5,000 award from the H.W. Wilson Foundation and will also be honored at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

Are you a Programming Librarian?
Interested in creating and coordinating programs for your community fueled by creativity, connections, and shoe-string budgets? Attend “Are you a Programming Librarian?” at the ALA Annual Conference on Sunday, June 27, 1:30–3:30 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center, Room 209 A/B, to hear from librarians like you.

Free Marketing Toolkit for Rural Libraries Available
A newly updated version of the popular “Small but Powerful Guide to Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library” is now available from the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services as a free print or digital edition.

Great Marketing Ideas from the 2013 John Cotton Dana Award Winners
Eight libraries were selected for the 2013 John Cotton Dana Award, honoring outstanding library public relations and marketing with a $10,000 award and plaque.

Publicize Your El día de los niños/El día de los libros Events
As libraries throughout the country continue to expand their collections for diverse communities, thousands will celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), also known as Día, on April 30, 2012. Libraries from coast-to-coast will host celebrations with family programs, including bilingual story hours, book giveaways and other literacy events.

Taking a Shot at Photography
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, so why not promote your programming with images? Photos of your events can be used to attract new people to your programs by showing them what they’re missing, or to raise funds by showing how important and well-attended programming is in your community.

Where in the World Is John Adams?
Looking for a clever way to promote a program at your library and invite patron participation? Perhaps you could look to “Where in the World Is John Adams?” for inspiration.

Winners of the 2011 John Cotton Dana Awards
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find great examples for boosting your library’s PR. And don’t miss Loudoun County Public Library’s “Try Poetry” program.