http://www.qandanj.org/mtv/ gets high marks IMHO!

Due to limited access to marketing research firms willing to donate evaluation expertise, I devised my own low budget evaluation team to view and provide feedback on the above marketing initiative which debuted on September 9, 2007 during the VMAs on MTV.

Feedback highlights …

Several female teen audience members did not notice that the spot was a “library ad� at first glance.  They also believed the advertisement to be “pretty cool for a library thing.�

The English teacher in the audience was pleased with the promotion scholarly resources. She was curious to know, “Where did the library community find such hip kids?�

I believe this Q&ANJ marketing initiative hold a key to the future of libraries!  Staying relevant includes accepting risk and testing new mediums and concepts to garner public support for libraries, library services, and library professionals!

I am glad to see the video clip posted on the Gloucester County College library web page complete with a request for viewer feedback. 

Consider the extended viral marketing potential if every library webmaster in New Jersey posted the link on their library’s web site.  How about expanding the effort to include the library related bloggers in cyberspace?   Promotion through exposure in New Jersey high schools during morning announcements on Channel One would tap another market sector.  Just one more thought …how about posting the link while Slamming the Boards?

Sustainability can make or break a marketing campaign.  Let the promotion efforts continue!

There has been much debate about the branding of libraries as books.   Library = books need not be limiting.  Consider the new library print in the J. Crew fall line.  The traditional perception of library stacks is creating buzz in fashion and increasing public awareness of libraries. 

On a more serious note-
U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook states: 
More and more, librarians are applying their information management and research skills to arenas outside of libraries—for example, database development, reference tool development, information systems, publishing, Internet coordination, marketing, web content management and design, and training of database users. 

I am confident that many librarians are using their skills in these areas while working inside a library.  Existing perceptions can be turned into advantages.  Publicizing new tools and services sparks discussion and broadens existing perceptions of librarians and library systems.

This week the Cole Brothers Circus moved into West Deptford, pitching tents directly across from the West Deptford Free Public Library.  Traffic was slower than usual inside the library though members of the local police force directed traffic to parking areas outside the library filled with cars.  Many library patrons took a break from reading the classics to view an American classic in real time.  The circus was full of surprises and the applause of the crowd resounded under the big top. 

The biggest surprise came when circus members attended a Basic Computer 1 class at WDFPL!

Spread the word …there is something for everyone at the local library!