Comments on: The M word in focus

By: Mei

Mei — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:31:36 +0000

Thanks for this post. Coincidentally, we just had a lecture on marketing in libraries. I agree with what you said – libraries tend to market differently compared to mainstream commercial marketing and I don’t think it is difficult nor frightening marketing our libraries. We’re not hard selling or using aggressive sales techniques because everything libraries has to offer (well, the majority) is FREE!

By: Steph

Steph — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:28:16 +0000

Very thought-provoking! It’s true that all library staff should be actively promoting library resources, and events through engaging with patrons or employing social media tools. It’s also important that the library be marketed not only to present and prospective patrons (preschool storytime!), but to those who fund libraries, whether they be your local council(s), university/school or government department. Making these people understand the true value of libraries aids in ongoing financial support.

By: harps

harps — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:42:06 +0000

I know, I know! My boss recently mused that maybe I should be supevised by our marketing co-ordinator, since that’s what I spend a fair bit of my time doing. Websites and blogs and tweeets and Facebook pages are all marketing platforms – something that I’m sure some Council IT departments haven’t quite figured out yet.

It can take a bit of training though. Not everyone’s a natural at it. Some of us have taken years to be comfortable with it. Online, you need creative people with some technical and geeky skils (blows own trumpet).

By: Janine Kimberley

Janine Kimberley — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:31:53 +0000

Great article Michelle, and so true, we as staff members need to interact with our customers more. I can remember as a patron having Ocksana recommend The Kite Runner to me many years before it was “the book everyone had to read” and Monique and I being the only ones at a Book Chat session where she said she thought she got more out of it than I did!! Isn’t that what working in a library is all about, to try and get people excited about what there is to offer.
I know, I chat to patron’s about what they are borrowing – its all about building up a rapport with your customers. Oh dear there is my sales and marketing background coming out!!
I know that as a patron and now a staff member I am constantly amazed about what we have to offer, and how lucky I am to know about these things. You are definitely on to something here. Keep going.

By: Michelle McLean

Michelle McLean — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:29:32 +0000

Mine is based in Information Services, but with close ties to Marketing and input to and from IT. Works really well.

By: Paul Hayton

Paul Hayton — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:36:31 +0000

I couldn’t agree more with your views.

The M word is a core part of my day to day role too.

Just lke you I do a very similar role at the library that I work at and my role is based in our marketing team!