Marketing Resources for Libraries

Written by Arlene Sahrie

The following is a compilation of marketing and public relations websites that may help spark new ideas for you and your library.

Please let us know if you use any of the ideas and how they helped you.

http://www.librarysupportstaff.com/marketinglibs.html
You could spend a lot of time here and still not be finished. This is a huge resource with websites, articles and books on marketing for all types of libraries.

http://www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers
This site contains ideas perfect for PR in February.

http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/mini-courses/planning-marketing/knowlibrary.html
This is a mini-course on marketing from the Nebraska Library Commission.

http://www.friendcalib.org/
This is the official website of the Friends and Foundations of California librariesand contains some solid, innovative ideas.

http://authoring.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-115/czrRzFZ/view.jhtml
These materials are intended to serve academic and research librarians, library leaders and administrators (in community college, college, university, research or special library settings) who are searching for a tool set and a process to help them create a marketing plan and promotional campaign for their library.

http://dis.shef.ac.uk/sheila/marketing/default.htm
and
http://dis.shef.ac.uk/sheila/marketing/sources.htm
The aim of this site is to provide a brief overview of some key marketing concepts, together with further reading and links, compiled by Sheila Webber, lecturer in the Department of Information Studies, Sheffield University, UK.

http://www.owls.lib.wi.us/info/desks/bc/imarket/default.htm
A website with examples of what other libraries have done to market their services compiled by Beth Carpenter of the Outagamie Waupaca Library System in Appleton, Wisconsin

http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/piopromotions/prideas.htm
Here’s a dozen great PR ideas from ALA.

http://www5.oclc.org/downloads/community/librariesstackup.pdf
This is a short but dynamic graphical report containing some impressive data. Print it out and share with your library boards and elected officials.

Andrew@andrewsanderbeck.com
Sign up for Library Connect, an e-newsletter.

http://fp.hsu.edu/faculty/schmidd/ala/weblinks.htm#MARKETING%20%20AND%20%20PUBLIC%20RELATIONS%20LINKS
The Arkansas Library Assn. has compiled a detailed list of links to fundraising, advocacy and marketing sites.

http://www.olc.org/marketing/index.html
A well done website from the Ohio Library Foundation about Marketing the Library - with 6 web-based public library training modules.

http://www.webjunction.org
In 2002, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) a three-year grant to build a portal for public libraries and other organizations that provide open access to information. A very inclusive site with some great marketing (and loads of other) ideas.

http://www.uky.edu/Libraries/Marketing/Welcome.htm
Marketing Your Library provides a clearinghouse resource page for the sharing of library materials, personal skills and strategies for marketing and for publicity ideas from yourself, from conferences and workshops, or from other libraries.

http://www.infomotions.com/musings/marketing/
“Marketing Future Libraries” by Eric Lease Morgan that has innovative ideas on how we can improve public perception.

http://www.insitepro.com/donald3.htm
“Marketing: A Challenge for Corporate Librarians” by Roslyn Donald was written for corporate librarians but has tips for everyone.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA220888&publication=libraryjournal
Excerpt quoted from online article by Rivkah K. Sass:
Despite all our real-time reference, web sites that rock, and exemplary programs, libraries are still missing the hook that will change our public's perception of what we have to offer. It isn't enough simply to tell potential patrons what is available at their library. What was the last Madison Avenue ad campaign you saw that just told what the product offered?

http://www2.agsm.edu.au/agsm/web.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/chrisjones15102003/$FILE/chrisjone.pdf
An Australian librarian, Chris Jones, share his marketing tips and successes.

http://www2.agsm.edu.au/agsm/web.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/janrichards15102003/$FILE/janrichard.pdf
“The Power of us: Marketing Public Libraries”, in which Australian librarian, Jan Richards, shares her marketing skills.

http://www.infotoday.com/mls/jan04/koontz.shtml
An article entitled “Customer-Based Marketing - The Marketing Mix: The 4-P Recipe for Customer Satisfaction” by Christie Koontz.

http://www.infotoday.com/mls/may02/kassel.htm
Practical Tips to Help You Prove Your Value by Amelia Kassel
This article covers guidelines and tips for creating, explaining, and communicating value.

http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/dividend/contents.htm
“Dividends: the value of public libraries in Canada” is an in depth document written by Leslie Fitch and Jody Warner for he Library Action Committee of the Book and periodical Council in Ontario, Canada.

http://www.sla.org/chapter/cwcn/wwest/v1n3/cavilb13.htm
Public Relations, Marketing, Advocacy : Marketing Plan Worksheet by Pat Cavill is a useful tool for anyone who wants to market their library.