library programs from the cradle to the grave
DESCRIPTION
presented at the ALIA Library Technicians Back to Basics conference, Perth, Australia, Sept 2011.TRANSCRIPT
Library programs from the cradle to the grave (and beyond!):Event management and growing your membershipBenita ParsonsLibrarian, Programs Coordinator
Your library has a set staffing budget, but needs to deliver programs to their customers.
You’re looking for direction and solutions
• How can you provide lifelong learning programs without additional staff?
• You want to have a range of sustainable programs in place and a community engaged with their library.
Follow these steps to make it happen.
1. Research your customers to determine who they are and what they want• For whom does your organisation
aim to provide?• Census data• Library membership statistics
Who are your strategically significant customers?• Those customers who have the
potential to be long term, frequent users of your library.
• They will be the best return on your investment
• They will come to attend programs then join as members and use other resources
• They will become your champions!
New Parents
Retirees
What do they want?Lifelong learning• “the gaining of knowledge through the
life span from a variety of sources and learning opportunities” (Kahlert, 2000).
• Children• brain development
• Adults • New skills for modern workforce• mental stimulation
Ongoing programs
Events: talks and workshops
Training opportunities
What else do they want? Opportunities to engage
Meet peers who also attend the programs
• Mums group• Book discussion
groups• Develop into
stand alone groups:
PC Support,
Writers Group, Craft groups etc.
Give back through volunteer work
2. Research the program resources available to you
Free presenters
Organisations who want to talk to your audience
• Alzheimers Australia • Australian Hearing • Volunteering SA • Breastfeeding Association • Council for the Ageing’s Seniors
Peer Education Centre
Government • Local government
• Dog and cat management• Planning & Heritage management• Environment and recycling• Aboriginal groups
• Police
Locals• Business• Groups• Experts• Your suppliers
Volunteers as facilitators
Programs that volunteers can run
• Preschool programs• Book Discussion Groups• Language conversation groups
(not classes)• Literacy tutoring• Family and local history• Basic Computer Skills
How do you find them?
How do you manage them?
• Recruitment• Induction• Training• OH&S• Performance Management• Booking and customer
management for program delivery• Volunteering Australia can help
3. Manage your events and programs
Allow yourself lots of time
Planning timeframes• Things to consider
• Availability of the space• Availability of staff/presenters• Marketing/advertising times• Time to design and print
promotional materials
Plan your event• Meet the needs of your target
market• Meet the aims of your organisation• Is this program or event already
provided by someone else?• Who can present it?• When is the best time?
Checklists
Be aware of any legal requirements
Marketing plan• Ways to reach your audience
• Posters and flyers• Email list of interested customers• Local newspaper• Wider media (may have longer lead
time)• Radio• Internet event calendars• SMS notification• Facebook• Council publications• Library newsletter
Liquor Licenses
APRA and APLIS
Evaluation• Track bookings• Don’t be afraid to cancel if low
numbers• What worked, what didn’t• Lessons learned• Celebrate success!
You can do it!1. Research your target customer
groups2. Research the resources available
in your community3. Plan and manage your events
It may take a while to build relationships and a reputation for great events but it will happen!
Questions?
Benita ParsonsLibrarian, Programs CoordinatorCity of Tea Tree Gully LibraryModbury, [email protected] 8397 7449