Moving From Outputs to Outcomes – that’s the subject of the upcoming LJ Director Summit. Much of the conversation there will be about value — how to articulate your value in today’s demanding marketplace.
My friend Sandy Swanson, of OrangeBoy Inc. (and who will do a breakout session at the Summit) shared with me an article that’s right up this alley and that I thought you would enjoy.
Community Center: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town, describes a number of ways in which libraries go far beyond circulating books as the core idea. Reading the article, I can tell that it wasn’t written by a marketing person….but then, it is in Public Libraries, not Fast Company.
Some of their thoughts:
- libraries help revitalize struggling or depressed neighborhoods and downtowns
- libraries are important partners in sustainability
- libraries serve as catalysts for addressing social problems
- libraries are important partners in child development
As a marketing person, I’d be the first to tell you that 23 are about 20 too many. But read the article and think about three that you can build a story of library value around.
Hope I’ll see you in Columbus for the Summit, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
About Alison Circle
http://www.publiclibrariesonline.org/magazines/featured-articles/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-library-most-important-place-town