Examples to Emulate

Serving Needs and Attracting Users by Partnering With Operation Warm
By Cornelia Beckett
Public librarians are always looking to attract new users, especially those who need help the most. The charity Operation Warm, which distributes new coats and new books to kids, smartly saw public libraries as natural partners. In this case study, Cornelia Beckett explains how the Enoch Pratt Free Library worked with Operation Warm to help youngsters in Baltimore, detailing the outreach strategies used to connect with specific geographic and demographic targets.

Feature

Keep Promoting Your Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Kathy Dempsey
Even though most library buildings around the world are closed now, this is no time for a (much-needed, well-deserved) holiday. Savvy library marketers are working harder than ever. While shuttered buildings lead people to think libraries are closed, of course, the digital branches (websites) are still open. And if you want to ensure your funding for when it’s safe to open again, you’d best be measuring and proving your ROI now.

How-To

‘Surfacing’ Your Library Long Before You Need Support
By Patrick “PC” Sweeney
If your library will be up for a vote (on funding or any type of support) within the next 5 years, it’s time to start “surfacing.” That’s the political term for introducing yourself to voters and laying the foundations for campaigns to come. It helps ensure that, by the time you announce your appearance on a ballot, people will already know your organization, what it does, and why it’s worth voting for. Patrick Sweeney, an award-winning political consultant for libraries, explains how to get started.