Marketing and Public Relations SLIS 720: School Library Program Development

What is Public Relations One-way communication of getting the message across: who we are what we do when and where and for whom From ALA

What is Marketing A planned and sustained process to assess the customer's needs and then to select materials and services to meet those needs. know the customer's needs who are they? what do they need? when and where can we best deliver it? what are you willing to pay? ($) From ALA:

Image Courtesy of Chicago Public Library

Empowering Learners Guideline: “The school library media program is guided by an advocacy plan that builds support from decision makers who affect the quality of the SLMP.” (page 41) Image courtesy of AASL.

Don’t sit around and wait for teachers, administrators, and parents to realize that a quality library media program is essential to student learning and a quality school. Create a desire for an outstanding library media program.

Banned Books Week!

Book Speed Dating or Blind Date with a Book

How to get them in the door? Image courtesy of istockphoto.com

How to keep them coming back?

Objectives of PR for LMS Financial support Public awareness Build confidence Dispel negative image Accomplish something specific

Four Steps Research Planning Communication Evaluation

The PR Plan A statement of your starting point The goal The activities The time frame Who does what? Evaluate

Tell Your Story

Get the story out! Communicate a positive message! Be a visible presence! Share data in a format appealing to your administrator! Use your Website to share information! Include impact on student achievement!

Talk it UP! 1. Talk about what you do… 2. Send out a regular newsletter… 3. Track the use of your resources and send summaries…. 4. Try documenting student skill attainment using evidence-based practice techniques…. 5. Share how you spend your budget…. (Transparency) Doug Johnson:

Don’t emphasize collection over connection Shape your image Target the most important things you do Don’t limit distribution of your report to your principal Gary Hartzell:

Public Relations Tells people what you’re doing well Let them know of your existence and that you provide an important service The day to day things are important!

Marketing! Sell It!

Image courtesy of ALA.com

Directions to all reading in a high school library Image courtesy of

Websites

Book Clubs

Book Trailers

Other ways to market Learning commons Technology Services Hours Access for the community Collaboration Others?

Final Word about Marketing “Marketing the media center is a continuous activity. It begins with a welcoming facility with a pleasant ambiance through the provision of appropriate [services and] resources. However, one of the media specialists easiest marketing techniques is to greet everyone who comes in the door with a smile and an eagerness to help.” -- Blanche Woolls