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F.Y.I.-For Your Inspiration
-Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace
Library Communication Strategies

One of the things we most enjoy about the consulting biz is discovering good ideas to share with our clients and anyone with a passion for promoting libraries. Just for the fun of it-and for the benefit of anyone interested-here are a few of our recent favorites from academic and public libraries. All of them are fine examples of the energy, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment that make us proud to be in the "library business."

1. Thanks To You
   FROM: Mary A. Dempsey, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library
   RE: 2003: The Year in Review
   What a great and simple idea-an end-of-year-memo to staff from the head of the library highlighting the year's accomplishments and ending with good wishes and thanks "for the professionalism, grace and dedication you employ every day to fulfill the Mission of the Chicago Public Library."
2. You'Ve Got Mail
   It's hard to imagine a kid who wouldn't enjoy getting the lively and entertaining letters sent by Ann Melrose, KidLinks Librarian for the Hennepin County Library as part of the summer reading program's "KidsMail." Filled with suggestions for good reading and links to fun activities on the library's Web site, the letters are sent once a month to kids who sign up. We even enjoyed getting them!
3. More Mail
   All first-year students at the University of Richmond (VA) receive a letter from their "personal librarian" thanks to the Boatwright Library's ambitious Outreach and Instruction staff. The letter includes an introduction to the librarian and the library's services. Each letter is signed and a business card enclosed. Many students follow up on the contact and tell next year's incoming students about it.
4. A Winning Recipe
   Ya gotta love Suzanne Schwichtenberg's recipe for boosting staff morale. From the PRTalk list serv-
   "Buy some chocolates and a masseuse for an hour or two of 10 minute chair massages for staff in the staff room . . .Have open-ended question (anonymous) evaluations on the table with the chocolates and ask for their input on how to improve. Tell them you respect them and their ideas and you want their work lives to be as positive as possible. Acknowledge their frustration, sympathize with their fears, let them vent. Then become the positivity you want in your work place. It's got to start somewhere. After the complaining session and the rubdown, ask them to move forward to solutions instead of continued grousing. And then implement their suggestions."
   Schwictenberg, adult services librarian, at the Lewis and Clark Library, Helena, MT, pops for the treats herself.
5. Turning Lemons Into Lemonade
   Staff at the Carlyle Campbell Library, Meredith College (Raleigh, N.C.), turned what had been a barrier-a barren expanse of brick pathway that cut the library off from mainstream campus thoroughfares-into a draw by adding colorful planters, picnic tables, chairs and umbrellas. Thanks in part to the campus wireless network, the library's "patio" now attracts students to relax, study and/or surf the net in all but the coldest, wettest weather.
6. Bark If You Love Libraries
   Elsie (short for Library Enthusiast) makes a delightful mascot for the Polk County (N.C.) Library Mascot. A real-life book hound "from her knows to her tale," makes appearances in community parades and other events and is often rewarded with money for the library's building campaign stashed under her collar.
7. Coffee Plus
   A growing number of libraries are discovering the allure of coffee, but Davidson County Community College Library (Lexington, NC) goes a step beyond with its weekly "Coffee Hour" sponsored with Student Services and Prism, the College's Cultural Department. The event, which features free refreshments, music, book signings and other cultural happenings, brings attracts students and faculty and administrators. One student called the Coffee Hour "the only time or place where faculty and students meet and talk on the same level"
8. At Your Service-The "TWIG" Library
   Smaller than a branch, the Twig Library (also at Davidson County Community College) is a book cart loaded with new books, videos, DVD's and other materials. A staff member wheels the cart around campus, manually checking out items to those who often don't have time to visit the library. Library Director Linda Burke calls the Twig Library a "huge success. People across campus have written and emailed to thank us for this service."