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Where
to Look
In order to successfully target a group of people who don't typically
use your library, think creatively about some new ways to entice them.
An openness to trying new things is important since the usual library
programs haven't interested them.
So, where do you find these new ideas?
1.
On the Inside: In Your
Library
- Patrons.
Build upon topics patrons are asking about or looking for. Consider
popular reference questions or items that are highly circulated. Also,
invite patrons to submit program/event ideas.
- Board
members. can be enlisted for areas of expertise or interest. They may
have an area of special expertise or may have connections who can bring
something new to your library.
- Board
meeting brainstorms. Consider discussing ideas at a board meeting to
see what possibilities surface.
2.
Out & About: In
the Community & Beyond
- Talk to
people. Have conversations with a variety of people when you are out
of the library (restaurants, post office, the gym etc.). Ask them what
they find interesting and consider how the library might appeal to some
of the original themes you hear. Consider using some connection
cards like these to reach new people in your community.
- Look at
local business. Think about how their services might be used to offer
a program or event.
- Think
Food. Make contacts with local restaurants and develop events where
people can eat.
- Glance
at the news (online or newspaper). Create programs based on popular
trends or coordinate with an activity/event already being offered somewhere
else.
- Check
out popular books. Create a program based on these topics.
- Flip through
magazines. Check out magazines you don't usually read. Look for new
ideas in the articles and ads. (Hint: Start by looking at magazines
your target group reads.)
- Look at
social networking sites. See what topics people are excited about. Try
www.meetup.com or check
out this list of social networking sites.
- Look at
the online event calendars. Newspapers, radio stations, and active organizations
are great places to start.
- Recruit
presenters. Try local community colleges, small business owners etc.
- Look to
other libraries. Visit their websites and see what they're up to. Large,
city libraries sites are often good for ideas since they usually have
a full-time programmer.
Idea
Resources:
- Other
Library Event Calendars- Grab
some ideas!
- Community
Calendars. Here's a few:
- Tourism Agency
Calendars
- Books
- MHLS Programming
Sources
More
Resources:
What's the most interesting program you've heard
of lately?
Don't keep it a secret, share it
with us.
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