ARSL Conference

ARSL (Association for Rural/Small Libraries) Conference - Sept. 3 - 6

Libraries Reimagined –Breakfast address on Friday – Daniel Rasmus 

Daniel addressed the uncertain future that libraries face and the importance of navigating change as it occurs. Some points to think about:

• What do we hire a library for? Why do people come to the library?
• How will we represent knowledge?
• Outside-in-thinking: Libraries talking about the world they live in and how they bring services to that world, and what services.
• Plan for the future we want but also for the future we are given.

Marketing Your Library – Breakout Session – Beth Wheeler Dean 

A dynamic library director from Guntersville, Alabama, Beth was great. She said to be smart about marketing and get what you want. Her example: Her library went to Staples for tax-free days and helped people set up their tablets – and gave out library cards.

Libraries can no longer just sell their product, she emphasized. Small libraries need to be full service and the biggest part of marketing is the “things we do.”

“Everything comes down to people – staff, users/patrons, and people that never use the library. All combine to build your library’s image in the community. You will build invaluable relationships as you place your library before your public. Remember to listen, not just talk.”

Points I noted:

• Market the service, not the product.
• Market the benefit, not the features.
• Market what they value, and continue to do what we value.
• Market personality. If you’re helpful to patrons, they will tell others.
•  Never ever market something you can’t deliver.
•  Create and market differently to different groups.
•  Understand the cost curve and how it applies to libraries. (Example, something could incur hours of staff time.)
•  Use SWOT Analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Advocacy is important on the part of library staff and Trustees, Friends of the Library, and patrons.Staff can inspire users, find partners, and tell the library story. Trustees, Friends, and patrons can lobby local government, tell the library story, volunteer, use the library, cook and give parties.