Now that I’m a library consultant and retired from the day-to-day library world, this conference was more important than I imagined it would be. Sometimes you need to be immersed in a subject for a few days to think of new ways to address issues and topics. The Library Marketing and Communications two-day virtual conference filled the void. Even though I’m retired and now consulting, I still serve on the board of the LMCG, which helps the conference, but more importantly, helps me stay involved in the profession. I attended some great sessions and moderated two. Here you will find a compilation of posts to my LinkedIn feed about those sessions. #LMCC22 will be held in Indianapolis in November so be sure to sign up for conference emails and find us on social.
- Here is a great takeaway from the first session of the #LMCC21 – check out the NLW toolkit the Georgia Public Library Service put together for their state. https://georgialibraries.org/nlw-toolkit/
- Attending the #LMCC21 and hearing from Anna Moorehouse at The University of British Columbia Library about Story-Based Communications at her concurrent session. Here is a story they published on their library’s website to effectively communicate with their library patrons. https://about.library.ubc.ca/2020/05/08/how-ubc-library-is-supporting-the-ubc-community-during-the-current-covid-19-outbreak/
- Moderating a session at #LMCC21 with Tina Thomas of Edmonton Public Library for her talk about opening up a shiny new library during COVID-19. Amazing how the communications had to be adjusted when the new building was viewed as ugly by the public. Turning it into a “Think Tank” was a great example of how to go with the flow! https://www.epl.ca/milner-library/#look-inside
- Attending an interesting session at #LMCC21 on live streaming by Daniel Cuthbert from the Lansing Public Library. “If the pandemic taught us anything, it taught us how precious and challenging it was to have spaces…” other than our physical locations. Can check out their videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJqXZkk0SnPbiBUbolBIFQ
- Listening to the Day 2 Keynote at #LMCC21 with Fobazi Ettarh (I’m not a morning person either!) presenting Vocational Awe and the Art of Selling Libraries. Session takeaway: If the library is a safe space for hate groups, then the library is only a safe space for hate groups. If libraries are truly the last bastion of democracy, then we need to truly present that and pay close attention to critiques and think critically about what we do, what we portray we do, and how we can be truly inclusive. Toxic positivity is a real thing and we should practice being more authentic as library marketers and communicators. Learn more about Vocational Awe and related library issues at https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2018/vocational-awe/
- Moderating a great session today for #LMCC21 – Partnering with Local Organizations to Promote Libraries and Increase Cardholders with Kari Lapp and Jordan Reynolds from the Saline County Library. Learning about the importance of partnerships with local organizations and businesses, using QR codes in monthly magazines and rack cards, etc. I also think this session has been a great example of what libraries can do by hiring NON-LIBRARIAN marketing professionals! Hire marketing staff with marketing degrees and backgrounds. They can learn the library stuff later 🙂 Check out their News page on their library website at https://www.salinecountylibrary.org/news
- Attending an interesting session at #LMCC21 titled Creative Approaches to Promoting Libraries Through Non-Traditional Partnerships with Nicholas Alexander Brown from the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. Learning about converting participants to advocates, reaching out to influencers for the long term, creating high visibility moments, and even partnering with local sports teams. Learn more about their library at https://www.pgcmls.info/about-us
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