Selling the Library: Constructing a Marketing

PlanKim Mears, MLIS, AHIP, Georgia Regents

University

A New University

Georgia Regents University Libraries

University Libraries

Reese Library

Undergraduates

Liberal Arts Teaching-

focused

Greenblatt Library

Graduates and Clinicians

Health SciencesResearch-focused

Image source: http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/308992

Marketing Committee

Reference/User Engagement Librarian, Chair

Creating a Marketing Plan

Literature Review Defining a Purpose

Creating GoalsCreating Resources

Literature Review• Estall, C. & Stephens, D. (2011). A study of the

variable influencing academic library staff’s attitudes toward marketing. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 17, 185-208

• Fisher, P. H., & Pride, M. M. (2006). Blueprint for your library marketing plan: A guide to help you survive and thrive. Chicago: American Library Association.

• Rutgers University Libraries. (2012, December 18).Multiyear marketing plan for the Rutgers University Libraries spring 2013 – fall 2015. Retrieved from http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/staff/marketing/docs/marketing_plan_multi-year_2013-2015.pdf

• Saunders, L. (2004, May). Plan, prepare, promote: Marketing your library. Retrieved from http://www.masslib.org/conference/PlanPreparePromote.pdf

Purpose

“The purpose of the GRU Libraries Marketing Committee (GLMC) is to promote awareness of GRU Libraries among students, faculty, and clinical users and to gain greater recognition for library events, resources, and services.”

Goals• GOAL 1: Document and communicate the

value, activities, expertise, and impact of the GRU Libraries.• GOAL 2: Foster an environment where a

greater number of users are aware of library resources and services appropriate for them.• GOAL 3: Ensure staff are knowledgeable

about Libraries’ services and resources and that the staff communicates this knowledge to users effectively.

Creating Resources

• GRU Libraries IN-A-BOX• PowerPoint

Presentation Templates• GRU Libraries

Toolkit• Calendar • Archive of Past

Materials

• GRU Branding Guidelines• Logos & Logo

Usage Guidelines

Staff Engagement

• Brown Bag Sessions• Promotional

Schedule• Blogging Best

Practices• Ongoing Training

Opportunities

Results• Increased social

media reach• Facebook• WordPress

• Marketing Efforts• Events• Lecture Series• Exhibits

Challenges

•Budget•Adherence to Guidelines• Time Commitment

Questions?Autumn Johnson, MLIS

Information Literacy Coordinator

Asa H. Gordon LibrarySavannah State University

johnsona@savannahstate.edu

Ginny Loveless, MPAProject Manager

Reese LibraryGeorgia Regents University

vloveless@gru.edu

Renee SharrockCurator, Historical Collections &

ArchivesRobert B. Greenblatt, M.D. Library

Georgia Regents Universityrsharrock@gru.edu

Mathew WhittingtonLibrary Assistant

Reese LibraryGeorgia Regents University

mwhittington1@gru.edu

Kim Mears, MLIS, AHIPNursing Information Librarian

Robert B. Greenblatt, M.D. LibraryGeorgia Regents University

kmears@gru.edu

Selling the Library: Constructing a Marketing

PlanKim Mears, MLIS, AHIP, Georgia Regents

University