Category Archives: Public Libraries

Marketing for Libraries

Posted on December 3, 2012 by cbecker53

Marketing is more than “advertising” programs and other things happening at your library, and a marketing plan is not something you do when you feel like you’ve got everything else done.  It is not (or should not be) and afterthought! … Continue reading →

Posted in Management, Marketing, Public Libraries, Strategic Planning | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Library Trustees–an Important Asset

Posted on November 28, 2012 by cbecker53

I believe that it is true that members of a public library board, sometimes called trustees, can be the very best tool that library has.  I also believe it is imperative to educate them so that they can be as … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Library Boards, Library Funding, Library Trustees, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dog Day Afternoon

Posted on November 16, 2012 by cbecker53

Those of you that know me know I am a dog lover.   Here’s our baby Afton at about 2 months old.  And at the end of this post is our full-grown Afton taking a nap. But, because I love dogs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Library Programs, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Libraries as Part of Support Network

Posted on November 12, 2012 by cbecker53

Yes, so we all know about dialing 911 in an emergency.  But how many know about 211—”an easy-to-remember three-digit phone number that brings people and services together”?  From their “About” page: The mission of 2-1-1 US is to ensure that … Continue reading →

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Telling the Story: Why is YOUR Library Essential?

Posted on November 6, 2012 by cbecker53

Yes, the economy is tight.  Yes, funding bodies are telling libraries “we love libraries, but there’s just no more money.”  But, with the right blend of statistics, anecdotes, and persuasion, you can influence elected officials, who can, in turn find … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Customer Service, Funding, Library in Community, Promotion, Public Libraries, Public Speaking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

NaBloPoMo. Plus an L

Posted on November 4, 2012 by cbecker53

Apparently November is National Blog Posting Month.  And apparently, you’re supposed to blog every day for the month.  If you follow my blog, you know I have trouble posting every day—but I do try to post at least twice a … Continue reading →

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Diversity is the Spice of Libraries

Posted on November 1, 2012 by cbecker53

A recent Public Libraries article ties in with my last post. “Meeting the Needs of Diverse Communities” offers suggestions and examples for addressing the challenges of serving the ever more diverse communities that libraries serve. I always say, “Can’t we … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Public Libraries, Selection | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T!” Sing it, Aretha!

Posted on October 30, 2012 by cbecker53

Several things prompt me to write this post: The upcoming election, all the campaign ads and press touting candidates, and the lack of respect from candidates toward their opponents. Learning about a series of programs at the Hedberg Public Library … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Hiring, Library Programs, Persons with Disabilities, Public Libraries, Selection | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Benefits of Art

Posted on October 25, 2012 by cbecker53

So here’s an interesting fundraising idea:  “The Library Lovers’ Art Auction.” I dearly wish libraries did not have to resort to fundraisers.  And when they do, that the funds raised could be for capital campaigns, for buildings, and for “frills.”  … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundraising, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Greetings!

Posted on October 18, 2012 by cbecker53

I recently learned that the Mount Laurel Library (NJ) has had staff positions called “Greeter” since 2005 or so.  If I heard about this at the time, I’d forgotten until Retiring Guy drew my attention to it. How great is … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Employees, Public Libraries | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment