July 2008

State Librarian’s Report
Jo Budler
State Librarian

Promoting Library Services

It can happen at almost any library, you know you have great resources and services and believe most of your community knows it too; especially if your library has lots of visitors each day. While libraries have strong relationships with their community members, each day brings opportunities to share information about the changing world of library services.

The introduction of a new program or service, start of the school year, milestones in your library's history, and countless other timely events are a great time to promote all of your services - both old and new.

Bookmarks, posters, press releases, newsletters, and presentations are tried and true methods to promote your services. Web sites, blogs, discussion boards, and regular columns in your local newspaper present opportunities to reach a broader range of your community members.

Unplanned outreach, such as the recent news coverage highlighting the value of libraries during tough economic times, or stories about teens playing video games at their libraries provide golden opportunities to attract both first time visitors and prompt former patrons to come back.

The launch of the new Ohio Web Library site, and KnowItNow and Learning Express Library updates are currently in the forefront of our promotion activities. In this issue, you will find information and resources to help promote both your library and statewide library services.