Providing consulting, training and planning services to community-serving organizations such as libraries, nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies.
Last week, I was in Jacksonville, FL, leading a workshop with Florida public libraries on marketing to and working with schools and students. Spending the day sharing strategies — and talking about success stories — got me thinking about back-to-school season. For the workshop, I highlighted several examples of library–school partnerships. These partnerships are the… Continue reading Back to School With the Library: Partnerships, Marketing & More
September’s almost here, which means it’s time for one of my favorite library celebrations: Library Card Sign-up Month. A simple card, sure — but in a person's hands, it’s a key to connection, imagination, and opportunities that go far beyond books. For the last 25 years, I’ve watched libraries run many campaigns during September —… Continue reading Rethinking Our Approach to Library Card Signup Month
Library booths at Comic-Cons, anime expos, and other pop culture events are full of potential—but they don’t always live up to it. Too often, I see booths where staff are tucked behind the table, smiling politely and waiting for someone to ask a question. Don’t get me wrong—just being there matters. But if you’re investing… Continue reading How to Get the Most Out of Comic-Con (or Any Outreach Event)
If you’ve ever worked in or with a library, you know it’s a special kind of place. Libraries are full of smart, dedicated people doing vital work—often with limited time, budgets, and tools. As a result, the way libraries approach marketing is deeply shaped by their culture, structure, and long-standing traditions. Understanding a few common… Continue reading Six Common Characteristics of Libraries—and How They Impact Marketing
More and more libraries across the U.S. are selling branded merchandise through online stores—offering everything from literary tote bags to mugs to T-shirts. But what does it actually take to launch a successful swag shop? And is it worth it? We reviewed more than a dozen examples of library-run stores, conducted a national scan of… Continue reading Should Your Library Open an Online Swag Shop? Lessons from the Field