Engaging patrons and creating awareness around the offerings of the library is one of the biggest challenges facing libraries across the country. The wide range of available library services seem to be a best kept secret and most library patrons, even those who are regular library users and advocates, don’t know all that today’s libraries have to offer or how they can engage with their library. This has been compounded by an ever-changing landscape and constantly evolving information brought on by COVID-19. Fortunately, new tools and tactics are emerging to address this situation and just like any other aspect of your library, attention and planning can yield positive results.
In working with hundreds of libraries and thousands of library staff, patrons and community members over the years we have developed an understanding of their concerns and biggest opportunities in terms of engagement and communication. That has translated into a series of tips and solutions to help solve these dilemmas. Join us to hear how these address some of the biggest library challenges and see the creative ways that libraries are addressing them. We will also dive into best practices including a glimpse into how other industries address these situations and how that may translate into the library environment.
You’ll Learn:
• Why communication is a complex problem for libraries and what library users are looking for
• What marketing and planning tactics and tools are available to more efficiently reach your patrons with relevant messaging
• How libraries can better reach their patrons and increase engagement with the library
Presenters:
Ian Downie - Vice President, Growth, Patron Point
Janet Nelson - Principal, ReThinking Libraries
Moderator:
Rob Cullin - Managing Principal - ReThinking Libraries
