Libraries Change Lives. Here’s Proof.
By Kathy Dempsey
The Libraries Change Lives Award is one of MLS editor Kathy Dempsey’s favorite annual competitions because it proves that library projects can improve people’s outlooks and lives. She explores the finalists of the 2017 contest, run by CILIP, the Library and Information Association of the U.K. See how devoted librarians are helping all sorts of women, offering cognitive therapy to prisoners, and getting families together outside—and learn which worthy project took home the big prize.

Special Report

Library Marketing and Communications Conference: A Quantitative and Qualitative Success
By Kathy Dempsey
By all measures, the third annual Library Marketing and Communications Conference (LMCC) was another rousing success. This report by Kathy Dempsey, conference chair, explains how it all went down and shares tips and takeaways from the November 2017 event. What’s more, her report demonstrates how LMCC organizers used data in their planning and how they gathered both quantitative and qualitative data again to guide their work for LMCC 2018.

Design Tips and Hacks for Non-Designers
In this issue, techie and tool lover Jennifer Burke sends help for those of us with no real design training. Short sections of bullet points cover design info, typography tips, and color theory. And yes, there are links to seven online tools that will help your artwork look more professional.

Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding
by Patrick “PC” Sweeney and John Chrastka
Kathy Dempsey reviews this vital new book from Patrick Sweeney and John Chrastka, some of the lead staffers at EveryLibrary, the first political action committee for libraries in the U.S. They share much of their knowledge about how librarians and their supporters can work to win votes when there are tax referendums or other library-related ballot questions at election time. Read it now to prepare for the 2018 election season.

This issue carries news of two groups of award winners (Urban Libraries Council’s 2017 Innovations Initiative and the I Love My Librarian Awards), invites entries for the 2018 PR Xchange Awards contest, announces a new open access marketing journal, and reveals the honorary chairperson for ALA’s 2018 National Library Week celebration.