Library Marketing Blog by Jill Stover

So if you read the prior post and did the modules on what library marketing is and the benefits you are in a good place to understand what the heck folks are talking about. One place to ramp up to speed is the Library Marketing blog by Jill Stover.

She has opinions, she point out example of libraries that are doing outreach to teens such as a library in North Carolina that has a Gaming Zone once a month.

The Library Marketing blog is loaded with tips, definitions, examples and common sense ideas that most of us can put into place. Well, almost. She has a link to an article that talks about the similarities of a retail store and a library and with a little adjustment to the layout you could increase foot traffic. The actual article is located at http://www.infotoday.com/MLS/jan05/koontz.shtml

I dunno. If I'm craving Cherry Garcia Ice Cream I know I have to go to the refrigerated section. If I'm pinning for Japanese Short Stories then is there a way by design to get me to that section faster? I'm sticking with Dewey on this one but will check out the article. So should you.

http://librarymarketing.blogspot.com

Library Marketing - Star Power

Sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. And if you happen to know any celebrities that have a love and passion for libraries it might not be a hard sell to get them to make a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Deep within the ALA web site there was (is?) a campaign to support and encourage library use. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins appear in a PSA for library support and usage.

I can't post the videos directly, there appears to be a broadcast fee but you can go to the web page to take a look. There are well done and speak about the richness and quality of information found in libraries.

It is not a bad idea but not being able to circulate the videos kind of defeats the purpose of promoting libraries. To be fair, this appears to be an old campaign and the ALA may have seen this as a means to generate funds for the organization.

But if they decide to update the idea I hope that it would allow folks to practice a little link love.
https://cs.ala.org/@yourlibrary/videopsa.cfm

P.S. "Link Love" is when you share a link from a blog or web site that you like and respect. Folks that know and like your blog/web site are trusting your judgment as to the quality of the link.

Library Marketing - Where Do You Begin?

I was at my desk looking out the window. The sky was cloudy and then the sun came out and then it rained buckets of water. A living metaphor for what is going on in my head.

On the one hand I am studying to be a library paraprofessional; An assistant, a grunt, a helper a doer not a big thinker. (Okay, I hear ya. We think. We over think. Say it loud, word junkies and proud. I know, but go with the bit.)

On the other hand there are ideas and concepts busting out of my skull and people are sending me all kinds of juicy stuff that is in development or coming down the road. Much of these new technologies and concepts can easily be adapted to a library setting.

Marketing, particularly library marketing to making patrons and the community aware of the services that the library provides is a growing discussion area.

Well isn't that a discussion for "real librarians?" Yes. No. Maybe?

What if you are the "real librarian?" In a school, or in a satellite library? It could happen. It does happen. But even if you are going to be a support person then knowing some of the buzz words and concepts can help you understand what people in the industry are talking about.

Because as a library consumer and as a support person you have a stake in this discussion. We all have a stake in keeping libraries viable. So in the spirit of just in case you might need to know, I'd like to introduced you to some of the discussions about how to attract people into the library.

So let's start with an on-line primer. The Ohio Library Council has a six part tutorial on what exactly is library marketing and why it is important. These tutorials are designed for folks that are new to the topic or need a refresher course.

I started at Module 1 and it answered my first question , Why market? The answer: Libraries are not the only informational source anymore. Patrons have other options. Libraries need patrons. Therefore, if you want libraries to exist you have to attract and develop customers into the library.

By working your way through the modules you can start to build a vocabulary and concepts about how do you get folks to come through the virtual or physical door of a library. It is a easy, non-technical introduction on developing relationships with library users on some, not all of their terms. http://www.olc.org/marketing

Acquisition Technician for Chapman University

This may be of interest to you, it was posted in the Sunday Los Angeles Times Job Section.

Chapman University in the City of Orange is looking for an Acquisition Technician.

Details:

• Receive all new materials ordered by Acquisitions Dept. for Law School library.
  
• BA or equiv. desired;
  
• Experience w/ bibliographic utility & library techniques & knowledge of INNOPAC & computer generated records.
  
• Prior library experience..
  

Apply online at www.chapman.edu/jobs, or submit 2 resume/applic.
& salary history with jobs #171-06 to Human Resources, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866.

Capital Group Companies Position Available

Mrs. Kim just received a job listing from the Capital Group Companies. There are looking for a Subscription Assistant. Here are the details:

We're The Capital Group Companies, a 75-year-old investment management company that prides itself on creating an environment in which our associates feel they can succeed and be valued for their contributions. We're the home of American Funds, one of the three largest mutual fund families in the United States. The benefits of working at Capital include interesting work, exceptional colleagues, a comfortable workplace, competitive salaries and bonuses, and
health and life benefits from day one.

We are looking for a Subscriptions Assistant to work as a part of the Subscriptions and Book Services group in the Research Library and manage subscriptions to print and electronic resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Placing orders, renewals and cancellations;
  
• Processing invoices; investigating and resolving problems that arise with delivery, access, payments, etc.;
  
• Maintaining the database in the library system software;
  
• Serving as the library's liaison with subscription suppliers.
  

This associate interacts with clients in any of the Capital Group offices, Finance and Accounting, other groups within the Research Library, and numerous vendors and suppliers.

Hiring Criteria:

• Experience in library serials or acquisitions, or in purchasing
• Strong customer service focus
  
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
  
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks in response to varying time pressures
  
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
  
• Consistency and dependability in performing work assignments
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good interpersonal skills and experience with establishing effective working relationships with clients and suppliers
  
• Good verbal and written communication skills
  
• Solid computer skills (Word, Excel, Internet searching)
  
• Willingness and capability to accept new tasks and responsibilities as needed
  
• College degree preferred
• Experience with library system software desired
  

We offer excellent salaries, a progressive environment and a premier benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage effective day one
• Three weeks vacation in year one
• 15% of annual salary plus bonuses contributed by the company to your retirement plan, up to IRS limits
  
• Generous educational assistance
• Health club subsidy
  
• Paid, comprehensive training programs
• Team-oriented working environment
  
• Business casual dress
  

To apply, please visit www.capgroup.com/greatjobs

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Student JPL Part-Time Employment

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena (JPL) has a student part-time position.

From the employment page the duties include:

• Supporting the Library, Archives, and Records Section by shelving books and periodicals
• Serving at the public service desks, updating archives, library, and records databases
• Preparing reports, and maintaining on-site collections.
  
• Assist with photocopying and scanning/digitization projects.
  
• Perform other duties in support of archives, records, and library activities.

If you are interested in applying contact Barbara Amago at barbara.j.amago@jpl.nasa.gov
She is definitely interested in hiring a student in the library technology program so if you are looking for part-time work you should absolutely follow up on this opportunity.

State of Main Library Use Calculator

I saw this at one of the library blogs but I wanted to call attention to it. It is an interesting idea.

This is on the State of Main website http://www.maine.gov/msl/services/calculator.htm

What is the value of the library's internet service? How much are you making in renting out the middle conference room? What is the dollar value of the number of reference questions answered by staff?

I'm not a library administrator nor librarian so I sat and thought about how much time I used to log into various library computer stations before I got a computer. At $10 per hour I could have bought a junker of a car with the value of my time. And certainly it cost the library a heck of a lot more to provide those services in the early 1990s.

If the library didn't exists how much would we have to pay for access? Or would we have access at all?

Library Staff Blogs - An Overview

I've been yapping about blogs, vlogs and podcasts. I've tried to show folks why this may or may not have a relevance in your library careers, no matter if you are going toward becoming a librarian or hanging out in the stacks sniffing books.

Well, I think I have a few examples of how library staff blogs can be an internal help to library workers.

We start our journey at the Bailey Library at Washtenaw Community College staff blog. This blog is used to keep the staff up to day on the library issues of the day, re-caps of seminars and lectures that staff members have attended and information tips to aid them in helping their patrons. http://carabosse.commons.is.wccnet.org/wp

The Ottowa Library is similar to Bailey but there are some added features like a permanent reminders of the circulation procedures and a page for new employees. It is a fairly new blog but I hope the staff can find a way to integrate it more into their work life. http://ottlibstaff.wordpress.com

I really like this next blog. First of all there is more than one person working on it. Personal bias showing, sorry. The Noreen Reale Falcone Library Staff Blog really talks about the day to day things that happen at the library from snack time to "don't let that guy take out a single book."

The archives have information on security issues, database problems and my favorite, Reference Announcements - if there is a hot topic that a librarian or staff work has found the answer they can share it with their co-workers.

For example, there was a problem with patrons using a free database site called Chemfinder.com Someone found out that the site allows only two free searches and then wants the user to pay for the professional version. A solution has been found and now the entire staff has the information they need to deal with the problem. http://lemoynelibrary.blog.com

So there you have it. Library staff blogs can help workers have access to the day to day information that gets lost and found all day long. These blogs can document upcoming information request by patrons and provide helpful or necessary tools and suggestions that the staff needs to do their jobs.

Sausalito Public Library Assistant Position

For those with a burning desire to move up north this is an employment opportunity at Sausalito Public Library in Northern California.

Sausalito Public Library - Library Assistant II, 37.5 hours per week
Pay Rate $3,007 - $3,665 per month plus benefits.

For those folks up north you can stop by to pick up a packet in the Administration office at 420 Litho St., Sausalito, by contacting the Job Line at (415) 289-4100 ext.630.

To get a taste of what the Sausalito library is like visit the web page at http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/library

The position will close on December 29, 2006. You can download an Adobe PDF job information sheet at http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/business/admin/personnel/personnel.htm

LACC Library Technology Job Positions

The Los Angeles Community College system will start accepting applications for Library Technician positions from December 11, 2006.

FYI--Our District has two positions--Library Assistant and Library Technician. Library Technician is the higher level. If you are interested in applying please contact:

Barbara Vasquez, Chair Library Department
Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 953-4000, EX 2407
vasquebj@lacitycollege.edu

The home page for the library is http://www.lacitycollege.edu/resource/library