Libraries traditionally benefit from a largely positive public opinion.
However, general warmth about libraries as an idea is not the same thing as a clear impression of why our institutions matter so much.
Ensuring that people know clearly what they gain from having libraries – and what they would miss if they didn’t – can help not only in your own local situation, but also more broadly.
This is what marketers seek to do when they try to build up a brand around their company or product, ensuring that it stands out and gets noticed.
They work hard to understand what people think about them, and to shape these reactions through advertising and other forms of communication.
So for our 43rd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think about your brand.
What impression do your users have of your library? What words would they use to describe it?
And what impression do you want your users and community to have of you?
You can use your ideas subsequently to think about how you can communicate your work.
Let us know your most effective ways of ensuring positive perceptions of libraries in the comments box below, and check out the work of IFLA’s Management and Marketing Section for more ideas.
Good luck!
This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 4.4 Increase our visibility through excellent and innovative communications.
As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box below.