I know readers of the ALD Communications blog may be curious about the vast world of public relations and our role in the process. And, as the Publicity Specialist for the Library District, I would be happy to share my thoughts on Publicity 101.
What brings our patrons to our libraries?
According to dictionary.com, publicity is defined as extensive mention in the news media or by word of mouth or other means of communication. In a nutshell: free advertising for the Library District! We are so fortunate in the world of libraries to have an iron-clad reputation in the community. We share our valuable resources – books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, computers, databases, facilities, events and more – AND we spread literacy in under-served areas – not a bad combination.
Although we have stellar support from our community, we can’t sit back and wait for our patrons to come through our automatic doors. We must reach out and bring them in and that is where I come in. Each week, I review the upcoming ALD events and programs, and then pick and choose some potentially news worthy items, draft a news release and distribute the release to the appropriate contact at a media outlet.
What makes an event newsworthy? I am looking for edgy and different – not your “typical-library” event, but an atypical event. I want readers to note, “Wow! I didn’t know they did THAT at the library.” It is important to note that not every event has a news release distributed on its behalf, and more importantly, those that do have releases sent out only have a small chance of making it to ink. So, don’t feel slighted if you don’t see a full page spread with photos in Sunday’s Denver Post.
Building a Fan Base
If our publicity is printed or aired in the media, it lends credibility to our efforts and furthers our patron base of support. That is our end goal, because not only will it have an immediate effect on library and event attendance, but could also indirectly help us in an election when we may have to seek our community’s support down the road.
If you ever have any questions, or have strong feelings about whether your program garners extra publicity efforts, please call (ext. 19103) or e-mail me (mcingrani@ald.lib.co.us).
- Michelle Cingrani
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I wonder if ALD could follow a technique from the public schools. Schools publicize a list of happening, and when a school event is near, a quarter- or half-sheet flyer about the event is sent home. Parents may have a habit of posting the individual flyers on the home bulletin board, in date order, as a reminder of activities to pursue.
Post a Comment