12th ALIA National Library Technicians Conference
9-12 September 2003
Bridging services - embracing reality

The library means business! Marketing and promotion for the small library

Jenny McDonnell, library technician, Australian Public Service Commission

In this time of technological advancement, clients have full access to online databases, the Internet and the library catalogue is only a one click away. But the library can be a last resort for many of our clients, so we decided it was time to get 'in your face' and promote our wonderful services.

This paper is to be part of project to re-establish our small library in a growing organisation. We have found that people are 'smarter' and don't tend to need the help in searching for information as they once did. So at the beginning of the year the library will once again be in everyone face, promoting our services and reminding people how we can help.

Marketing a library's services can be tough, email is so easily deleted and newsletters ignored. We intend to make sure people think of the library first, then go to other sources, by developing an easy and efficient enquiry system, knowing what is happening in all projects and have all the resources in place and try to be one step ahead of our clients needs.

..full paper to come

Biography

Jenny has been working in libraries since 1985, including many university and government libraries In 2000 she moved to the Australian Public Service Commission library for an 8-week temporary transfer from the National Library and ended up staying. After being just another number in a big organisation, she found working in a small library rewarding and very satisfying.