Keep Talking...About Libraries!
One of the side-effects of being a librarian is that I love to talk about libraries and all they offer to anyone and everyone. I've been known to talk about placing holds at the library, using Libby and OverDrive, and online databases with people I've just met. It's an occupational hazard. I recently read an article in Public Libraries Online called "Never Shut Up About the Awesome Programs at the Library!" which indicates I'm not alone in talking up the library at every opportunity.
When I read this article, SCLS was in the midst of updating all the online resource information as subscriptions change and update at the beginning of the year. It reminded me that getting patrons to use our online resources is an ongoing challenge. Back in 2015, WiLS devoted their Regional Community Meetings to the topic of "how to promote, teach others about, and evaluate your electronic resources" (you can see the slides and notes here).
As you're looking at your online resource statistics from 2018 or collecting the numbers for your annual report, you might be asking yourself similar questions - how do we get our patrons to use this particular resource, attend programs, or check out more books? I have a couple of suggestions for you. As the Continuing Education Consultant, staff training is high on my list! All library staff - even those who don't work directly with the public - can be the biggest champions of the library. Take a few minutes at each staff meeting to highlight an upcoming program, online resource, or collection. Encourage staff to explore the online resources as part of their daily duties and share what they learn with each other.
Other training resources:
- For BadgerLink resources, you can browse the archived webinars and user guides
- For locally subscribed resources, check with the vendor for their training options as many offer live or archived webinars and user guides
- OverDrive Support Course (next course starts March 11)
- ReferenceUSA in-person training: March 13 at 10 a.m. at Prairie du Sac, March 13 at 1:30 p.m. at SCLS, and March 14 at 11 a.m. at DeForest
- Attend the PLA webinar, "Just One Thing": Training Staff for Community Engagement, February 26 at 1 p.m. Central Time
- Contact Jean for custom training for your library
Most importantly - talk about the library and all that you offer. The last paragraph of the article I referenced above is all about this. Talk about the statistics compiled for the annual report, the programs coming up, the online resources you have, and more. Keep talking up the library!
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