Promotional Toolboxes

Train all library staff in how to promote library services--simple strategies and suggestions. For example, McDonald's sells more fries by asking each customer if he/she wants fries with that. In the same way, if staff brings services and programs to the attention of the public with catch words or key phrases, then those services will more likely be used and those programs attended. The second part of this is to train all staff in what we have to offer. Many librarians even, for example, have no idea what databases we have. Do they know to offer someone who is checking out or inquiring about materials to study for the ACT, that we also have practice tests in the Learning Express database? The third part of this is surveying our members. Their needs, just like everything else in our modern world, are morphing so quickly, that asking them what three things we could provide them (for example) that we don't currently have/do, is what will keep us relevant in their lives.