Outreach 101 Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services 2018 Conference Raleigh, NC

Tulsa County – Fast Facts 587 Square Miles 9 Communities  (urban + suburban) 640K people (15% live below poverty level) 350K cardholders 8.4+ M circs $30M annual budget 400+ staff 24 Public Buildings (every cardholder lives within 5 miles of a site)

Literacy, Outreach & Volunteer Services

Outreach Services 9 staff (7 FT + 2 PT) 3 vehicles + 1 Services (FY17 stats) Bookmobile – adults & families 20 sites w/ 142 customers 24 sites w/ 871 customers  48000 circ Books-By-Mail 103 customers w/ 390 items  Volunteer Homebound Delivery 5 customers w/ 91 items Staff Homebound Delivery 90 customers w/ 441 items Deposit Collections 2 sites w/ 32 items Community Outreach Events 159 events w/ 79K attendees

Outreach since 1930

Who? Specific age or interest Are these current and/or new users? Who made contact? Are you the best person/dept? Specific age or interest Individuals that are homebound or have mobility issues Individuals, families, professionals Other nonprofits, businesses Colleagues Recent immigrant populations that are not familiar with our concept of libraries and/or speak a first language other than English

Does it fit in with your mission? What is the intended outcome? Why? Promotion Provide direct service/materials/equipment Establish/enhance relationships Address information need Exposure/visibility Why are you doing this? Does it fit in with your mission? What is the intended outcome?

What? Provide core library services Make a presentation Provide a program Participate in an event Serve at an information table Host an event Sign people up for library cards Check out library materials Provide giveaways What is the need & what can you do to meet it? What do you need or have to say yes? Is there any data/$$ to support your decision?

When? Date/time/length – are you available? Is the event already scheduled or do you have the ability to schedule? Is this a one-time event or an ongoing commitment? How can you avoid overscheduling, while optimizing your schedule?

Where? Environmental issues Location Other participants Special training/equipment?

How? What staff will participate? number, safety issues, areas of expertise, bilingual, any overtime issues Are volunteers appropriate? What equipment will you need and who will provide it? What does success look like?

How?

Miscellaneous Thoughts… Stay focused on the end result Identify priorities It’s a learning process Don’t reinvent the wheel Tailor your efforts to the community/event/service Say yes if you can Outreach can be inside your building Failures=opportunities Prepare for the unexpected Communication is key Document everything Make a site visit if possible Have fun!!! POWERED BY

Questions?? Thank You & Get Outreaching!! Tracy Scott Tracy.Warren@tulsalibrary.org Jamie Pierson Jamie.Pierson@tulsalibrary.org