Minutes of the Marketing & Programs Advisory Committee

December 8, 2004, MHLS Auditorium, 10:00am-1:00pm

Present: M. Keefe, A. Jordan, K. Lustiber, M. Pfisterer, M. Quick, R. Smith, C. Corrigan

Guests: M. Advocate, J. Cohen, B. Haymann-Diaz, L. Muffs

Minutes of September meeting

Motion: A. Jordan, M. Quick
Discussion: none

Vote: unanimous

Minutes of September 16^th meeting

Old Business:

• Print Services Update
• Material Request Report (2004): Shows 95% of libraries use the Online Material Request Form.
• $5 Menu Report: 48 posters have been purchased through the $5 Poster Menu since August.
• New Residents Bookmark: The committee reviewed text for new bookmark to be offered through the Online Material Request Form that helps reach out to new residents. This bookmark is based on the model created for the Reaching Out to New Residents Project. The committee asked for a graphic to be added to the bookmark to distinguish it from other bookmarks offered by MHLS. The committee asked staff to investigate the creation of template magnets for libraries to use when reaching out to new residents.
• The committee suggested that MHLS staff use dates in some way to more easily identify updated bookmarks.

• 2004 Advocacy Report/How to motivate people in ‘05

§ The committee discussed the use of programming at the library to reach out to state legislators to raise their awareness of local issues and the impact of funding cuts to the system on the local library level. For example, offering to host a Town Meeting for the legislator at the library. MHLS staff will investigate ways to initiate this in 2005.

§ C. Corrigan suggested the creation of a video to capture the voices of patrons expressing their love of the library to be packaged with a lunch for the legislator.

§ M. Pfisterer suggested building grassroots support for libraries through representation at local farmer’s markets and other community events.

§ The committee suggested repeating the Support Our Libraries letter campaign in 2005 with customized letters for each legislator that acknowledges their position on library funding.

§ J. Cohen noted that should MHLS be awarded the Getting to Yes LSTA grant that the M&P Committee will be called upon for input in 2005 and 2006.

• Youth Services Update
• M. Keefe reported on the 2004 Summer Reading Program, showing the committee a comparison of statewide program participation between 2003 and 2004. MHLS showed a 7% increase in participation between the two years
• My First Library Card promotion/campaign: M. Keefe shared how different libraries commemorate a child getting their first library card. K. Lustiber described her use of certificates and buttons to identify the kids through a program with the school. M. Keefe proposed that MHLS create a template certificate and button for libraries to use and to gather examples of how libraries can make the occasion special for a child.
• Battle of the Books: This committee has met 3 times and has established ground rules and guidelines to standardize this program at each of the 9 participating libraries. There will be a system-wide, end of the season competition at MHLS headquarters in the fall. There is also the possibility of including libraries from the Ramapo Catskill Library System at some point. Information about the event is available on the Youth Services and the Programming area of the web site [http://midhudson.org/department/youth/BOB.htm].
• Piggyback Performer List Update: M. Keefe has promoted the list as available year round, only one library has listed a performer so far. The committee felt that winter is a slow time of year for the hiring of performers and it should continue.
• An Ulster County Children’s meeting date has been established for the first time. It will be hosted by the Highland Public Library on January 10 at 10 am.
• School/Public Newsletter Project Update: The Dutchess County issue of SideXSide has gone out, this is the first time this is being sent. The Ulster County version of SideXSide is in the works.

New Business:

• Elect Chair: Anne Jordan volunteered to chair the committee in 2005, Midge Quick volunteered to remain the designated DA reporter for the committee.
  
  
• Review of web site pages:

o Library Programming http://midhudson.org/program/main.htm: Committee suggestions included:

§ More “Teaching Technology” resources (examples: Technology FAQs like how to save a document, how to print; PowerPoint presentations or other information that Sue Hermans may have.)

§ Capturing the value of the web site resources to members (example: self assessment by directors)

§ Add an introductory statement at the top of the page to stress the importance of programming in the library.

§ Periodic postings to the listserv to draw attention to the resources available

o Marketing & PR http://midhudson.org/funding/marketing/main.htm

§ Quotable Facts has been posted. The Committee recommended that more system provided value quotes be developed.

• “The Year of the Weed” project: M. Keefe shared this idea from the Mohawk Valley Library System. Tied to their migration to a new automated circ system, the idea is a contest for all libraries to participate in while weeding: for example, “Most politically incorrect title.” MHLS would tie this contest to raising awareness about weeding. MHLS staff will develop the framework to begin this program in ’05

• Inter-generational program ideas for teens and seniors: M. Keefe shared “Connecting Teens with Generation A-Z: Intergenerational Programs with Young Adults,” by RoseMary Honnold, Public Libraries, September/October 2004. Committee members shared their experience of encouraging teen volunteer interaction with seniors:

§ Using MHLS Bi-Folkal kits as program guides was suggested for additional activity to bring generations together and show Seniors the value of the library.

• 2005 User Group Ideas

o Committee agreed to discontinue concept of this users group, and to integrate these offerings into the regular CE offerings

· Making the “old” new again (display ideas, drawing attention to older titles, using props)

· What Libraries Can Learn from Bookstores

· Using MS Word to create simple signage in the library (Matt);

· Using the button maker; creation of template buttons for libraries to show how to customize them; ideas for marketing opportunities (ex: I voted for the library; pet day, I support the XYZ Library)

• 2004 Achievements: R. Smith presented a list of committee achievements in ’04 and thanked the committee for their time and efforts.
  
  
• Gift book form: M. Keefe shared a resource found in Unabashed Librarian that system staff could use to create a customizable template that would be available online for members to use for their library.

§ Committee discussed options for the default web page to encourage donations (gift book form, PayPal, donation information, library wish list)

§ B. Haymann-Diaz shared her experience in offering a similar program, Birthday Books, where patrons can pick from a display of books to purchase in the name of a child’s birthday for the library.

§ K. Lustiber asked for a sample thank you letter to also be made available.

Tasks for MHLS Staff:

· Creation of the New Residents Bookmark. (D. Begley)

· Investigation of magnet templates for libraries (D. Begley)

· Initiate “Programming for Legislators” initiative. (R. Smith)

· Create and gather resources for libraries to use to acknowledge a child’s first library card. (M. Keefe)

· Investigate how to demonstrate the value of the MHLS web site to members. (R. Smith/M. Advocate/M. Keefe)

· Development of more Quotable Facts about MHLS (R. Smith/M. Advocate/M. Keefe)

· “Year of the Weed” initiative will be implemented. (M. Keefe/R. Smith)

· Communicate continuing education topics from the Marketing & Programs Committee to the Continuing Education Committee (R. Smith)

· Development of donation templates for members to use; possibly for use by default web page libraries. (M. Keefe/R. Smith/M. Advocate)

Report to DA:

1) MHLS will encourage member libraries to initiate/coordinate activities/programming that draws legislator’s attention throughout the year to aid advocacy efforts.

2) General New Residents bookmark will be available through the Online Material Request Form in early 2005.

3) Quotable Facts about MHLS and member libraries have been added to the MHLS web site http://midhudson.org/funding/marketing/main.htm.

4) “Year of the Weed” in 2005 – system staff will be developing resources to help members weed their collections.

Handouts:
2004 Achievements

2004 Advocacy Diary

Quotable Facts from MHLS

New Residents Bookmark Text

Economic Impact (Administration & Management section of the MHLS web site)

Comparison of 2003 and 2004 Statewide Summer Reading Program Participation

“Connecting Teens with Generation A-Z: Intergenerational Programs with Young Adults,” by RoseMary Honnold, Public Libraries, September/October 2004.

Gift Book Order Form example

Next Meeting: March, 2005

Submitted by Rebekkah Smith, December 10, 2004