Your library mission statement should be the basis for developing your marketing and outreach objectives because it describes: who you are; why your library exists; your library’s primary functions and activities; who your stakeholders are; and what your library uniquely does to address the needs of your users. Reviewing and refining your mission statement will help you determine what you want your library to be known for. Your marketing and outreach objectives operationalize your mission.
ALL-SIS Task Force. White Paper on Library Marketing and Outreach. (2013) Retrieved from: https://www.aallnet.org/allsis/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/01/whitepaper2013.pdf
Help in writing a good mission statement to encourage outreach and collaboration. ~ Webjunction
Example: There is no mention of "in the library only" or equal access only applies within the library walls.
Mission. We welcome and support all people in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning. Working together, we strive to provide equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources. We believe in the freedom to read, to learn, to discover.
Chicago Public Library - Mission - City of Chicago
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cpl/auto_generated/cpl_mission.html
|
CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU PLAN:
I M A G I N E Building Partnerships Checklist Designed to help libraries assess, plan and manage community partnerships CREATED BY ALSC’S BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS COMMITTEE | © 2019 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION | WWW.ALA.ORG/ALSC |
Compatible Library Partners Chart:By TechSoup a chart of possible partners.
|
ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services: Outreach toolkits, Issue Briefs, Booklist, Blog and Newsletter
How do I know what my community wants?From Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces HERE is a list of community discovery methods beyond the no direct contact paper or online survey.
|
|
Asset Mapping
Asset Mapping is a tool that relies on a core belief of asset-based community development; namely, that good things exist in communities and that those things can be highlighted and encouraged — these are assets suited to advancing those communities. Website: AmeriCorps-Asset Mapping
|
|
Placemaking: Expanding Your Reach & Empower Your Community
AARP Pop-up Placemaking Tool Kit
Playful Learning Landscapes
Project for Public Spaces
Street Lab
Webinar: Outside the Box-Placemaking, Partnerships, and Community Event Design
Guide - Outside the Box: A Guide for Placemakers
Playful Learning Landscapes
Project for Public Spaces
Street Lab
Webinar: Outside the Box-Placemaking, Partnerships, and Community Event Design
Guide - Outside the Box: A Guide for Placemakers
Elevator Speeches to Promote You and Your Library
Ryan L. Sittler and Terra J. Rogerson. The Library Outreach Casebook. ACRL-ALA. ISBN 978-083894873-6
Often when talking about outreach we fail to look internally and assess our own organizations first. Planning and organizing for outreach is showcased in section one on starting strategies and includes discussions on marketing, website evaluation and using social media. Although this book is from the Association of College and Research Libraries and full of case studies from academic organizations, other types of organizations can easily find tips for their outreach within the pages. The following two sections include programming and event planning and outreach to select populations. ~ Deborah Dutcher 7/2/19
Often when talking about outreach we fail to look internally and assess our own organizations first. Planning and organizing for outreach is showcased in section one on starting strategies and includes discussions on marketing, website evaluation and using social media. Although this book is from the Association of College and Research Libraries and full of case studies from academic organizations, other types of organizations can easily find tips for their outreach within the pages. The following two sections include programming and event planning and outreach to select populations. ~ Deborah Dutcher 7/2/19
Assessment:
Assessment is important when demonstrating returns to your stakeholders. To measure success you may want to try any of the following to evaluate if you have met your outcomes.
Ask: What was Positive? What was Negative? What can be improved?
- Circulation statistics
- Attendance statistics
- Gather comments or stories with follow-up surveys or focus groups:
- Helping someone with Personal progress (examples: stress-reduction or homework help)
- Fun factor (was it fun and welcoming for all?)
- Documentation - photos
- Personal observations
Ask: What was Positive? What was Negative? What can be improved?
|
PLA|Project Outcome: Simple surveys and an easy-to-use process to measure and analyze outcomes. Free for public and state libraries.
|
|