How a Connecticut library became a community STEM hub

Lopez, Carrie

Rodgers, L. (9 March 2018). “How a Connecticut library became a community STEM hub” School Library Journal. Retrieved from:

https://www.slj.com/2018/03/technology/connecticut-library-became-community-stem-hub/

Inspirational article about a community library tapping into local schools and making connections with teachers and thus families. Perhaps a high school library could do something similar with a “family literacy night” using high school volunteers and bring in students and families from area feeder schools for books, classes, reading, cool activities.

Students as library advocates

Mitchell, Lillie Gale

Deuink, A. & Seiler, M. (2006). Students as library advocates: The library student advisory board at Pennsylvania State Schuylkill. College & Research Libraries News 67 (1): 18-21.

Summary:

"Students, as library advocates, are a powerful marketing tool (Deuink & Seiler, 2006)”, and this article covers how having student advocates builds and benefits the development of a library's collection. A case study was used based on a small college campus establishing a student group attracting both residential and commuter students. The initial group was composed of student that had worked together before through other organizations, but not necessarily library users. The diversity of the club was communicated by recruiting library student workers, members bringing their friends to meetings, and the reputation earned as a fun and exciting club.

This student group was empowered to help spread a positive message about the library to the student body which improved the library’s collections and services. The group acted like a public library’s “friends group”. Their activities included purchasing collection materials such as books, DVDs, and a color printer; highlighting new themes each month, developing a “menu book” of campus restaurants; and acting as library volunteers when needed.

Additionally a summary on how to create a successful student advisory group based on the two years of experience with the club was included. Here are the key points of a successful student advisory group (Deuink & Seiler, 2006):

•   Recruit new members throughout the year.
•  Be available and responsive to the students, in person and in the virtual world.
• Conduct monthly meetings to keep the ideas and actions flowing and to gain continuous feedback.
• Listen to students’ ideas and suggestions and treat them with respect.
• Take actions on ideas proposed by club members.
• Show enthusiasm for the club and the library by letting your students be creative and not afraid to express their ideas.
• Serve food at the meetings

Evaluation:

Even though this article applied to using advocates in an academic library setting as a marketing tool, certainly this process can also be applied to other library systems as well. Collaboration is key to having stakeholders buy into any organization, therefore this is a reminder that the library is a business. As mentioned in the article the student advocates group could be treated like a “friends group” therefore valued members of the library.

Is anyone paying attention to Library posting on Social Media?

 Wilson, Shibrie

Dowd, N. (2013, May 7). Social Media: Libraries Are Posting, but Is Anyone Listening? Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/05/marketing/social-media-libraries-are-posting-but-is-anyone-listening/

Considering amount of people using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, certainly this can be an outlet for libraries to use as a platform for marketing. This is article noticed that this can be both yes and no. According to a recent survey by Library Journal's Survey "86 percent of libraries said they were using social media. The top two social media platforms used by libraries were Facebook (99 percent) and Twitter (56 percent)." Issue with using social media outlets is that some libraries do not have a strategic plan to implement goals. There must be a sense of direction when creating social media in order to connect patrons to utilize services provided. Allowing the social media site to be fun and interactive is another concept in which some libraries are struggling with. Just as Dowd stated in article that you want to be able to engage users and use visual techniques and also make it fun. Challenge people to like your post or follow you and it will increase over time the amount of individuals that are actually paying attention to the Library on social media.

Opinion:
Using social media can be great for some libraries and a fail for many. This article addresses different techniques in which I agree with as to why some libraries are unsuccessful with their social media accounts while others are prospering. Everything is about marketing and how you are engaging users, and keep it social and interactive. After all that is why it is social media and platform for interacting users and advertising. 

Marketing Libraries Is Like....

Wilson, Shibrie

Potter, N. (2013, April 18). Marketing Libraries Is Like Marketing Mayonnaise. Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/04/opinion/advocates-corner/marketing-libraries-is-like-marketing-mayonnaise/

Ned Potter describes the difficulty of marketing libraries and it is due to time, funding, and resources. Another issue is perception of what library serves to its users is misunderstood. "Public perception of what libraries actually do is about 15 years behind the reality in a lot of cases." In order to have a successful outcome in marketing a library you must do so regularly. Advertising everywhere and create awareness of services provides to diverse group of patrons. Potter explains Libraries marketing being like that of Mayonnaise and how it is not always appealing but it process of reminder. Make marketing meaningful "then people will think of you when they need you, and then they'll walk in through the door."

Opinion:
Library marketing can be a task but it is all about the approach and time taken to do so. I enjoyed comparison of libraries to mayonnaise simply because they are both things in which people are not rushing towards. Some of the most successful programs are due to great marketing overtime. Marketing programs a month prior to and having it posted everywhere will become a constant reminder and patrons are more eager to attend. You want to avoid rushed marketing and brand your library in a way in which people will notice they need you for various services., 

50:50 by 2020

Zatko, Ruzena

Lodge, D. (2015). ‘50:50 by 2020’. Australian Library Journal, 64(3), 165-167.

doi:10.1080/00049670.2015.1041217

Summary:

In this article, Damien Lodge discusses patterns in the future of eBooks and eReaders. Lodge is currently a lecturer at Charles Strut University and previously served as President for Australian and Library Information Association (ALIA). Although the article is title 50/50 by 2020, the conclusion ends that the ratio of eBooks vs prints will most likely be 20:80.

The article is informative on statistics of eReaders from 2010 to present. The results show that from 2010 (when eReaders started to take off) the trend has since slowed down and the purchase of readers is becoming more stagnant. Lodge also mentions that major publishing companies are working with libraries in terms of receiving discounts with eBooks.

Evaluation:


            Lodge demonstrated some great points in the future of electronic readers and books, and whether libraries and us print enthusiasts should be concerned. The article covered the pros of eBooks that were mentioned, such as requiring less space, fewer staff, and the savings in budget. Also, an interesting observation is Lodge realizes that eBooks are turning into another format offered at libraries (such as hardcover, audio, etc.) instead of a replacement of print books. On that note, it would be interested to hear other librarians’ feelings about this and if they really care for the perk of less space and staff since this is jeopardizing job security.
           Overall, it does demonstrate that libraries in general are taking the next step to equip their library with eBook for their tech savvy patrons. What the article could have covered is approximately what percentage of libraries are frequently working with publishers and taking advantage of the offers. Also, if and what percentage of libraries still don’t offer eBooks for whatever reason.