open book with pages in shape of a heart
Consulting, Libraries, Marketing

What Makes a Good Library Brand?

When libraries talk about branding, the conversation often starts with the logo. Is it modern enough? Does it work on a sign? Does it fit in a social media profile image? Does it look good on a tote bag? Those are fair questions, but they are not the most important ones. A good library brand… Continue reading What Makes a Good Library Brand?

the word advocacy spelled out in wooden blocks
Advocacy, Consulting

Library Advocacy Webinar

Consultants for Libraries welcomed Patrick “PC” Sweeney on Thursday, April 30, 2026, for an engaging webinar on the advocacy mistakes that continue to hold libraries back. His presentation, Everything Wrong with Library Advocacy, was packed with provocative ideas, practical urgency, and hard truths about the political environment libraries are operating in today. After wathcing the… Continue reading Library Advocacy Webinar

smiling person talking to reporters
Advocacy, Consulting, Leadership, Libraries, Professional Speaking

Speaking With Confidence: Takeaways for Public Libraries

Library leaders are being asked to speak on behalf of their organizations in more complex environments than ever before. Whether the situation involves a reporter inquiry, a public meeting, a budget conversation, a book challenge, or a social media controversy, the expectation is often the same: respond clearly, calmly, accurately, and with confidence. That was… Continue reading Speaking With Confidence: Takeaways for Public Libraries

coworkers looking at computer
Innovative Services, Libraries, Marketing

When Clarity Makes Room for Creativity

In a previous post, I wrote about the difference between creativity and individuality in libraries. My point was not that individuality is bad. In fact, staff personality, expertise, and local knowledge are some of the greatest strengths libraries have. But in marketing, communications, signage, and branding, creativity has to serve a larger purpose. It has… Continue reading When Clarity Makes Room for Creativity

CAC Updates, Conferences, Professional Development, Professional Speaking

A Look Back (and Ahead): Public Speaking Since 2012

Recently, I took a moment to update something I hadn’t looked at in a while—an infographic I first created in 2023 to capture my public speaking work over the past five years. At the time, it felt like a useful snapshot. But when I sat down to refresh it, I realized the story had grown… Continue reading A Look Back (and Ahead): Public Speaking Since 2012