November 19, 2020 Adult Services Roundtable Meeting MinutesMarketing and Public Relations
Attendees:
Joi, Vestavia
Laura, Homewood
Heather, Homewood
Kara, Vestavia
Maura, Trussville
Samantha, Hoover
Discussion:
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Special newsletters catering to the audiences of your bigger
programs. [At Hoover, for my monthly
Purl on the Plaza program, I create a newsletter that includes new craft
books, new articles from around the web about craftivism, spotlight on individual’s
projects, etc. I make it something
they, hopefully, look forward to including the Zoom/connect information for
the month.]
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We talked about the importance of increasing social media posts and
bringing patrons unique/funny/feel-good items and challenges and contests –
some focused on individuals and some for families. Heather mentioned that they are doing
monthly photo contests, Bookstagram, and other challenges targeted at Teens
·
Maura mentioned that Trussville is including flyers and other correspondence
into the curbside pickup bags. This
would be an excellent opportunity to reach patrons with new programs!
·
Think outside the box to reach isolated people during the
pandemic: Hoover is sending
de-selected large print books to retirement facilities so residents can
obtain a book during their stay.
Samantha mentioned that she is taking books to Little Free Libraries
around our area. Other donated items
are being taken to sheltered groups such as First Light and Jessie’s Place. In other words, if they can’t come to you,
please think about ways of getting books to them where they are.
·
Samantha recommended a good marketing book that she read in a day for
Library School. It’s Start a Revolution : Stop Acting Like a Library / Ben
Bizzle with Maria Flora. Only Hoover
has it in their professional collection but it is worth a read. Be sure to check out other library
marketing books within the county’s collection!
·
Consider the non-profit subscription to Kahoot! which according to
the web: Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform, used as
educational technology in schools and other educational institutions. Its
learning games, "kahoots", are user-generated multiple-choice
quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot app. Heather at Homewood and Morgan at Mtn Brook
have successfully used Kahoot! to have great interactive programs with
patrons. (The non-profit “premium” subscription is $240/year.)
·
Shout out to Laura at Homewood who is doing their “Cookies &
Comics” program WITH Homewood, Illinois!
Reaching out to those outside of our borders can be a wonderful thing,
especially during this time of virtual programming.
·
Get buy-in from employees to promote library services and programs to
their own personal social media pages. Also, convince stakeholders and
businesses/organizations that the library has resources and services for
their employees – cater to their needs so that they will promote library
services from within.
·
It was decided that in 2021, we will record meetings and post them to
the ASRT blog so that others can participate.
Have an idea? Post it to the
ASRT group on Facebook! Want others to
help with your programs/questions? Ask
your cohorts on ASRT Facebook page!
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Scavenger hunts, MadLibs, Reading Challenges, where to begin???
·
Using 3D printers to create mask headbands and other PPE-oriented
items.
·
Blank white cotton masks – tie dye kits for the public.
·
Storytime using visuals on your outdoor windows – great for families
picking up curbside.
·
Outdoor story walks and fun sidewalk activities that are
family-oriented.
·
Free ARC giveaways (advanced reader’s copies of books)
·
Fill your social media with posts that will make them giggle, de-stress
and engage.
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Trussville – Pumpkin challenge was VERY successful. This doesn’t have to be pumpkins or on a
certain holiday. Perhaps a drawing
challenge or a painting challenge…
·
Cudos to Roy Williams and BPL crew for their Thankfulness challenges –
these press releases have helped all of us smile!
·
Order up a mystery bag, selling for the Friends of the Library during
Covid. Think of alternative ways to
get free books in the hands of your patrons – mystery bag giveaways, reserve
a bag of books, etc.
·
BookFace challenge for the public.
·
Bad Art night, virtual edition.
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Explore the inside workings of the library on Instagram.
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Introduce people to your greatest asset: the employees!
·
Share the library’s history via social media to build a sense of
belonging.
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