1. A Spirited Guide to Saving Your Library
Chris & Mandi Shepp, MLS
Lily Dale Assembly

2. The Marion H. Skidmore Library
A Little Bit of History

4. What’s Happened Since Then?

5. More Committees, More Problems
Too many views led to little accomplished
No outreach to the right people
Only open in the summer
No catalog!
Trusted experts, got burned
Lack of communication
No idea what libraries were really for...
Where Do I Even Start??

14. Current Project Foci Continuing to Build Community Relationships
Programming to increase awareness of historical themes
Ongoing Building Improvements
Specialized Researchers
Working with Consultants to Create a Plan of Action

15. So How Does All of This Apply to MY Library?

16. Finding Your Audience
Rules 2 and 3 apply to your institution. Not just books.
Who does your library currently attract?
Who would you like it to?
Why do you want to attract them?
What does your institution hold? What makes it unique?
“Don’t sell out of your own pocket”
Once you identify your niche, where do you find them?

18. Branding...Who are You? What exactly is a brand and why do I need one?
How to find your identity
If libraries could talk
Buzz words and taglines
Repetition…..to a point

19. Spin: Turning a Rainstorm into a Natural Water Park
Spin doesn't have to be a dirty word
What are you doing already? How can you make it interesting?
Writing copy
Always look on the bright side
False confidence and bravado

20. Creative Brainstorming Techniques : A Spin Exercise
With the right spin, you can make just about anything related.
Please take a few minutes and jot down as many one word descriptions of your library as you can. These descriptions can be anything: A section of your library that is particularly large or a strong collection, the physical appearance, the pattern on the rug. Any slightly unique thing or project that you're working on.

21. Getting the Kids: Connecting with Youth Organically
Don’t be a “fellow kid”
Cultural appropriation. Just don’t.
Keep an eye on pop culture, and act fast
How can I be applicable
Be human

22. Talking in the Library No one will sing your praises for you
Be loud, be bold, be excited
Humbleness is for monks
The proper use of exaggeration
Elevator pitches
TALK TO EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN!

23. Social Media And Social Marketing
What platforms do you need to be on?
Make your brand come alive
Regularly scheduled programming
No questions unanswered
Tools
Advertising on social media
Boosted posts
Ad auctions
Why you should
Tools

24. Analytics Social media networks provide analytics
Generally up means good
Check regularly
Use your most successful posts
Don’t forget to look at the long term

25. loudmouthedlibrarian@gmail.com christopher.a.shepp@gmail.com
Questions?