Agenda The Issue The Research About the Campaign Campaign Message Campaign Elements Businesses & Public Library Support How to Get Involved Q&A

The Issue The need for the public library has never been greater. Funding for the public library has never been at greater risk. Library usage is increasing significantly as many public libraries experience flat or decreasing budgets A challenging economy puts public library support at risk — especially since of the bulk of public library funding comes from local sources Reports of public libraries across the country cutting hours, staff and even closing their doors Most Americans don’t know how their local library is funded Yearly funding varies widely across Iowa from about $17 to more than $65 per capita

The Research The campaign is based on a research results from a study conducted by OCLC in This study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The research investigated the following question: Is it possible for a large scale advocacy campaign to create an environment to sustain and increase funding for U.S. public libraries? The research indicated that the answer is likely “yes” The research study is published in a report titled, “From Awareness to Funding: A study of library support in America.” The report is available free at

About the “Geek the Library” Campaign Community-based public awareness pilot campaign designed to draw attention to the need for increased public library support Highlights the vital role of public libraries Raises awareness about the challenging funding issues public libraries face Provides opportunities for people to engage with the campaign and share their stories Developed by OCLC, a nonprofit library cooperative and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Delivered by your local library

About the “Geek the Library” Campaign OCLC is partnering with public libraries and library systems in Southern Georgia and Central Iowa (and a small number of additional communities across the country) Goal to test the ability of the campaign to change perceptions about the library, it’s value to the local community and the need for support Campaign efforts to run through December 2009 Transition in early 2010 after which communities will continue awareness-building work on their own Campaign materials and pilot findings will be made available to U.S. public libraries at the conclusion of the campaign

About the “Geek the Library” Campaign Integrated campaign features multiple elements Print and radio advertising Web site and social sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Media relations and local events Grass roots community initiatives Program campaign resources are available via the Web site, Opportunity for the public to share what they geek Information about the value of public libraries Opportunities for residents to spread the word about the need for library support

Campaign Message Everyone has something that they are passionate about—something they geek. Maybe you geek football or hip hop. Maybe you geek organic gardening or volunteering. Or maybe you just geek the weather. Whatever you geek, fun or serious, the library supports you. So share what you geek. Share what your public library does for you and your community. And spread the word that the library needs everyone’s support.

Campaign Elements: Advertising Print advertising Online advertising Billboards The campaign also includes radio advertising

Campaign Elements: Website and Social Sites 10

Campaign Elements: Media Relations and Events 11 Geek The Library Gear Stickers Fliers/Inserts

Campaign Elements: Grassroots Community Initiatives Posters for display in local businesses and at the library Geek Wall at events Local photos and stories Postcard campaign

Businesses & Public Library Support Proven connection between public libraries and community success Job creation Increased wages Business development Overall community quality of life Studies suggest that the public library has a strong influence on economic and educational progress Research confirms that public libraries produce tangible return on investment for the communities that support them Many studies suggest the library has a strong influence on economic and educational progress

How to Get Involved Spread the word about the immense value public libraries hold for you and your community Let others know what you geek and why the public library is a place for all to get their geek on Meet with other community groups to spread the word about the public library’s need for support Display posters in your business and hand out fliers to employees and/or customers Draft a letter to the editor or author a guest column in a local paper to show your own personal support Invite the library to speak or join you at an event What else can you or your organization do to support public libraries?

Questions?