Perhaps you’ve heard about Geek the Library and read Jim’s post about what NEKLS plans to do to support this public awareness campaign? Curious to know more? Take 2 minutes to watch this Geek the Library video:
Really interested now? I recommend listening to the PLA web-cast Geek the Library: Putting Theory into Practice. Not only is this a great overview of the program, but it is also full of ideas, advice and lessons learned from large libraries and small.
Here are my notes from that web-cast about the campaign:
Theory:
- People don’t know how libraries are funded or that most funding is local.
- Library support is unrelated to using the library. Support is an attitude.
- A strong librarian = a well supported library. Perceptions of the librarian are highly related to library support.
- Libraries that are seen as a “transformational force” are well-funded. They provide Job training, early childhood literacy, and teen programming.
- Key to increasing funding support is to change the conversation and perception of the library from “services and information” to the library as a place that provides transformational opportunities for the community.
- Transform ideas about the library from Information to Transformation, from Institution to “critical infrastructure,” from Past to My Future.
The Campaign – advertising group out of Chicago and OCLC test drove three possible campaigns.
- Geekthelibrary won out – got the most buzz – got people talking
- “Igeekvampires” – the posters and promotional materials include a mix of famous and regular people
- Advertising includes online banners, news and radio, billboards, and inserts
- Public relations pieces include newspaper articles, radio interviews, event coverage, and magazine stories
- Community Events are key – take a geekthelibrary booth out and talk to people at events in the community, like farmers market, county fair, business expos, parades, and homecoming events
- Library Events incorporate posters, displays, bulletin boards, screen savers, summer reading/adult reading programs, banners, “Igeek” ornaments for a holiday event – do what you can to integrate the campaign into existing activities
- Tools include postcards, stickers, thank you notes, and even a budget presentation on the geek theme
- Online elements of the campaign include Facebook (15,000 followers), twitter, Web site, and surveys
- Phase 2 of the Campaign has different marketing ads and promotions that are more serious and begin talking about transformational things the library does – job, future, community, new ventures – and how libraries inspire and “help everyone achieve their potential,” assist, promote community, champion small business, etc.
Successful Campaign – takes a multi-faceted approach
- Mix and match advertising, events, grassroots programs, allow people to “express their personal ‘geek,’” social media, direct engagement with decision makers/funders in the community
- A library needs to be its own best Public Relations machine
- Passionate Librarian the KEY to success! Janet from Shelbyville, IN – wore a geekboard that people could write on!
- Be Consistent, Persistent and Committed. Have a willingness to speak up!
Really, really interested now?
How can You Geek your Library?
Easy. Just commit to the doing these seven geeky things:
1. Run a “Geek the Library” campaign for a minimum of six months.
2. Identify a dedicated staff member or volunteer who is responsible for overseeing all elements of the campaign.
3. Do something new every week.
4. Write a master plan for Geek My Library: include events you want to put on, and collect local information that helps tell your library’s funding story.
5. Allocate some money for local advertising and events.
6. Download fabulous, free artwork and print marketing materials for your campaign.
7. Abide by the terms of the official Geek the Library rules.
Geek the Library is free! PSAs (Public Service Announcements), posters, banners, t-shirts and other materials are provided free. You decide how to use the materials and how to supplement them with your own. Geek the Library Kansas will kick-off at the Kansas Library Conference in April. Look for Geek the Library billboards around the state. NEKLS will have workshops to help!
