Academic Library Marketing

This morning, I read Kathleen's latest post about bringing the resources to where the patrons will be. Of course, there are about 100 logistical challenges that must be solved before the library board will let the books walk out the door, but she's really thrown out some excellent ideas.

Does the idea wash right into the Academic Library's shores? I am not sure. At a large college or university, there are many student events where a library can set up the mobile cart with a few choice items, or can take the laptop to get those students to register their library cards (if the process is not automatic). But I work in a small, one-building institution and our primary demographic is 30+, working with kids. We hold very few, if any, programs for the students; in fact, most of the programs happen in the library because it's one of the larger spaces on campus.

That does not mean that we are out of options. Anytime that a librarian visits a classroom, he/she should take books along that are representative of the content of the workshop or the content of the course, along with a quick sign-out sheet so that students won't have to return to the library to give you their information. Books about research, writing, and adjusting to college life can be displayed or presented during orientation. During common break times when students congregate in the lounge or dining area, general reading/fiction resources can be displayed. It make take 10 minutes - but worth it if circulation improves and you make students aware of resources.

The marketing opportunities don't stop at books, either. Break times are a perfect opportunity to talk with students about databases and help answer reference questions. Students are not always going to walk into the library for help - especially if they are hungry or need a cigarette first. By meeting students where they are, we can draw them in and develop repeat service opportunities.