Promoting the School Library Media Program

By Kimberly Sharp

Professional ArticlesDusen, M. V. (2007, March). Open Up With

Community Outreach. Library Media Connection , 24-26.

Schrock, K. (2003, November 1). The ABCs of Marketing. School Library Journal .

Extended HoursOffer extended hours for patrons

Before/After SchoolSummer

StaffingVolunteersAlter contract hours for Media StaffFund with Grant Money

(Dusen, 2007)

Guest Library UseExtend Library Services to Community

ParentsHome-Schooled Students

Applications RequiredAcceptable Use Agreement

Include responsibility for materials, fees & payment

Computer usage requirementsPrinting Policies (pay-to-print)

Create Resource Guides on Popular Topics

(Dusen, 2007)

Partner with Public LibraryProvide Summer

Reading ListsPromote Summer

Activities Featured at the Public Library

Consider Sharing Resources

(Dusen, 2007)

Partner with other SchoolsHigh School Students can work in the

Elementary Media Center.Book Clubs or Service Organizations can

read with younger students.

(Dusen, 2007)

Community OutreachEncourage students to share book

talks related to particular holidays and celebrations with various groups or organizations.

Students can research historical topics and then share with members of a retirement home who lived during those events, conducting interviews and hearing personal stories.

Students can partner with adults to teach basic computer and internet searching skills.

Celebrate “Family History Day” by teaching research skills to families so that they can research immigration from their home country.

(Dusen, 2007)

Marketing Tips from the Business World

Create a product that people like

Target your advertisingBuild a base of satisfied

customersTake time to manage the

detailsGrow your program slowly so

that each stage is a success

(Schrock, 2003)

Library-Sponsored EventsTypes of Events

Book FairsAuthor VisitsReading Nights

Tips for Successful EventsPlan around School Calendar

Coordinate with PTA Events Avoid conflicts with other special programming Provide variety of times (during school day, early evening)

Communicate Remind staff & students of upcoming events Send promotional flyers home to parents

Pay attention to details! (Schrock, 2003)

PublicityMorning

AnnouncementsBulletin BoardsThemed Book

DisplaysPublic Service

AnnouncementsPress ReleasesWebsite for Media

Center(Schrock, 2003)

Communication with StaffWeekly E-mails

Create “subject” and “grade level” groups to target specifically

Include a great website or resource to aid them with curriculum and instruction

Monthly NewslettersHighlight special events and reading incentivesSuggest lesson plan ideasShowcase new items in the collection

(Schrock, 2003)

Need Ideas?Join online discussion groups (i.e. LM_NET)Attend professional conferences

Georgia COMO ConferenceChildren’s Literature ConferenceJoin Professional Organizations

GLMA AASL GLAGAIT ALA AECT

Read professional journalsSchool Library JournalLibrary Media Connection

(Schrock, 2003)