Libraries frequently apply for grants to help fund special projects and resources, such as purchases for library collections, innovative instructional technologies, and research subscription databases. Grants provide support for cultural events, professional development sessions, new construction, and building renovations. Like other library…

Though the core mission of a university library--to provide essential support for teaching and research remains unchanged--the library cannot escape budgetary constraints. It has to compete for resources with other departments and programs in the university. Times are hard, with some states currently reporting unprecedented budget deficits with…

Many professional library associations and affiliates "strongly encourage" the marketing of libraries and their wares. These organizations present awards, certificates, and monetary enticements to honor outstanding marketing programs. For most individuals or teams who are already working on and implementing marketing programs, the added effort of…

Establishing a library brand requires positive effects on publics. Five publics identify each library: students, teachers, administration, parents, and community. It takes effort to target each of those five publics with a consistent message about what a library offers that makes it unique. Librarians, scrambling to accomplish the necessities of…

Circulation is the library's tireless foot soldier: it serves as the front gate to the library's services and resources. This service point is where most patrons enter and leave; and experience their first and last impressions--impressions that linger. In an age when academic libraries are facing meager budgets and declining usage statistics, this…

Positive PR is always a good way to market the resources and services available to students and staff. This article enumerates ways to make one's presence known with the different populations in one's school. Even small public relations efforts show students and staff that one is a vital part of the school community. Good PR becomes a manageable…

Good school libraries influence student achievement and there are studies from 15 states to prove it. Several reports provide evidence that access to a good school library has positive correlation to reading scores. Higher test scores have also been linked to the presence of quality libraries in schools. Professional librarians are an essential…

School librarians work with people of all ages, abilities, and personalities; those people are the puzzle pieces that make advocacy for libraries effective. School librarians contribute to and use the resources of their state and national organizations' advocacy efforts. The completed picture of the puzzle is an excellent program with…

In marketing one's library wares, an effective publicity strategy is to use promotional giveaway materials, mainly personalized items that promote one's resources and services. As with any marketing effort, it is important to be clear about the promotional initiative and whom librarians are attempting to reach. This author emphasizes that…

Describes four successful public library programs for families and gives suggestions for planning programs and measuring their success. (LLS)

Library transformation requires a cohesive vision and execution. Beyond excellent management, organization, technical deployment and collection development, success of the public library as a sense of place requires additional dimensions. This includes attention to the details of environment, presentation, ambiance, graphics, customer service and…

Discusses new directions and patterns of service as the academic library shifts from providing access to sources of information to providing information itself. Services of the University of Rochester Library System are cited as using interpersonal communications and public relations skills to provide resources and technologies. Four references…

Provides an overview of marketing efforts of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Examples of a marketing plan that stresses fostering relationships with the community are described, including staff training in customer service, a cultural festival, and services to the business community. A sidebar offers marketing tips for…

This article explores the potential and reality of using the academic library Web site to market library resources and services, for fundraising, and to market special events. It explores such issues as the placement of a link to academic libraries from institutional home pages and the use of a library Web site to include links to news, exhibits,…

Assesses the significance of the Conference on five areas toward which library educators can focus attention: (1) public awareness of libraries, (2) user-oriented library services, (3) resource sharing and networking, (4) enabling mechanisms for library legislation and funding, and (5) library research needs. Fifteen references are listed. (FM)