MINUTES
SCLS
Marketing & Public Relations Advisory Committee
10:30
a.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005
SCLS
Administration, Conference Room E
Present: Debra Bird, Jenny Endres, Deb Haeffner, Mark Ibach, Peggy Kindschi, Jane Jorgenson, and Kim Ropson (by phone).
1. Input on content for new promotional materials for Ancestry Library (replaces Ancestry Plus) and Heritage Quest.
There was consensus that the past materials were good, but the suggestion was made to really make a push to get it out to the public. One request was for a Frequently Asked Questions product that is more of a brochure that can be handed out. There was also a request for a small poster, to be located near computers, that would give directions for use of the genealogy databases.
There was a feeling that libraries could also use more information about how to demonstrate the databases, including sample sample searches and canned presentations on the services (PowerPoint) they can give within their communities.
2. Review SLP promotional materials and determine if there are other items libraries need or want. Are there changes needed in the existing materials, other than updating for the year 2005?
Committee members felt the available materials were very helpful because they can be used "as is," or they can be used to generate ideas for a new release from the library. A request was made to create a fact sheet with statewide and system statistics on the SLP. Committee members also asked for more promotional information and tools for the teen read portion of the SLP.
It was felt that the audio and video Public Service Announcements were useful, and more will be done this year (last year's were completed too late to be much use).
The issue of an online registration form also was raised, and SCLS staff are investigating the options available. It was suggested that we have one registration page for SLP, and patrons would select their library from a pull-down menu. The completed form would then be e-mailed to the appropriate library. Committee members felt this would be adequate, and staff are pursuing.
Committee members felt it would be helpful to have libraries submit more samples of their promotional products (especially press releases) and activity ideas that can be posted to the SCLS website. There was general agreement that there is great value in sharing these items.
Finally, committee members asked if we can provide suggestions for a guest editorial or letter to the editor to be used at the end of the SLP. There is a need to publicly thank supporters and contributors, but content suggestions would be appreciated.
3. Follow-up input about Online PR Toolkit.
Committee members felt the new Online PR Toolkit (www.scls.info/pr/toolkit) was valuable, but the didn't believe everyone was remembering to use it. We'll do future articles in Online Update to remind library staff about the resource.
Committee members felt it would be helpful if we could provide a list of suggestions for creating fact sheets that libraries can use for presentations to community groups. This would include the types of information to include, how to write it, recommendations on length, layout, etc.
We'll also continue to do promotion of the new SCLS discussion list pr_help. The goal is to have an interactive discussion list where library staff can get information from their peers at other libraries. This is an unmoderated list for library staff members only.
4. Online Library Advocacy Toolkit—I’d like to begin working on materials for advocacy. Any specific suggestions/recommendations for what you’d like to see included.
This idea is still in the conceptual stage of development, but committee members suggested the following items for inclusion.
- "Do you know" statistics that can be used in presentations, fact sheets, newsletter articles, and other communication tools.
- Suggestions for planning candidate forums/meetings.
- Where to find, or how to create, library advocates.
- Who should advocacy target, and how do you best reach them.
5. Other Business.
None was discussed.
6.
Next meeting We did not set a date for the next meeting.
For more information about the Marketing & PR Advisory Committee, contact Mark Ibach.
|
