Library Marketing: Products

What we do: promoting library Services.

Why market in libraries? Events, promotions, web sites, and photos let the community know about library "products" -- the services, events, collections, facilities, and programming. Marketing gets the message to different user groups -- the different segments of the library's market.

Delta Public Library

The Annual Friends of the Library Salad Buffet and Chinese Auction held at the Delta Public Library is one of the community’s premier events.

Community members enjoy luncheon for the cost of a contributed item for Delta Public Library's Chinese Auction, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

"All items are donated for the luncheon and auction so with only a few expenses for table service and tickets, expenses are low and profit is high. We have been generating an average of $1200 each year in proceeds. 2002 was our 13th year."

"One may elect to dine in the library or get a carry-out carton - and you can’t beat the price - a free-will offering!"

"Before and after lunch, auction tickets (10 cents a piece) and special raffle tickets ($1.00) are sold for hundreds of items which fill the entire front area of the library."

Buying tickets for the Chinese Auction held by the Delta Public Library Friends of the Library and staff.

"Items are donated by area merchants, the Friends of the Library and the library staff. They may be new, handcrafted, homemade edible goodies or gently used items. Guests place their ticket(s) in a container next to the item they wish to win. Ticket holders need not be present to win, so this encourages folks to participate even though they have to return to work after lunch."

"The Friends donate the proceeds from that day and two other fundraisers to the Summer Reading Program. Their $2000 donation helps to underwrite our incentive give-a-ways and prizes for the 3 Summer programs."

Story submitted by Patricia R. Grover, Director, Delta Public Library.

Reference ideas around Ohio

Granville Public Library and Highland County District Library promote reference service with online reference question forms.

Ohio library sites offer 24/7 access to information:
KnowItNow unites librarians' expertise, Ohio resources, and advanced technology to meet information needs whenever and wherever needed. Service provided by State Library of Ohio and local libraries.
For students: HomeworkNow.
Book recommendations: ReadThisNow.

Learn more about marketing library products and services in Module 3.

What's new in library marketing?

Grafton-Midview Public Library

MyLibraryDV ON-DEMAND VIDEO 24/7 for FREE! The Grafton-Midview Public Library is one of the pioneering libraries to provide its card holders with MyLibraryDV.

Downloading is made easy by progressive download technology, which allows people to begin viewing video almost immediately. Card holders may have up to 10 programs at any given time. Each program has a seven-day checkout period, and when that period expires, the program automatically deletes from the computer.

Greenville Public Library

Greenville Public Library promotes "20 Minutes of Your Day Share Books with Your Child" -- with links, suggestions, and information from the State Library of Ohio.

Special events bring kids into the library! Below, Alex talks to Mrs. Claus at the Christmas program.

Alex talks to Mrs. Claus at Greenville Public Library

Reference ideas around Ohio

Portage County District Library has pre-made children's multimedia kits to help with projects.

Findlay Hancock County District Library provides tax forms in a convenient online set-up.

Briggs Lawrence County Public Library promotes to a targeted audience with the "Science Fair Zone."

Stark County District Library provides a Teen Zone with cool links and homework help.

Dr. Sammuel L. Bossard Public Library offers teachers the opportunity to alert staff of homework assignments.

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