Santa Barbara Public Library

Gold Coast Library Network – Professional Development DayNovember 1, 2013

City of Santa Barbara • Santa Barbara Public Library System 2

Overview My Background Evolution of Marketing & Public

Relations in Public Libraries Why is it Important What is SBPL Doing The Latest at SBPL Points Towards Success

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My Background

20 years of service at San Diego Public Library

5 years with Chula Vista Public Library PR Manager for the Library Manager for the Office of Arts &

Culture 2.5 years at Santa Barbara Public

Library

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Evolution of Marketing & PR

What has existed When libraries became self aware PR Managers PR as a focus

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Why is PR So Important?

Validates the library’s importance in the community

It is important to your governing body

It is vital to your budget Why do programs if you don’t

make your constituents aware

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What is SBPL Doing

Trying to become a force in the community

Experimenting with programs Listening to staff, constituents

and other libraries Building a support base for the

long run

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The Latest at SBPL

Social Media presence Redesigning our logo & branding Redesigning our website Grants, grants, grants Innovative Programs

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Points Towards Success

Have a clear outline of procedures, including milestones

Be creative, see what others are doing and think what might work best for your organization

Don’t be afraid to spend money and make mistakes

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Points Towards Success

Survey your constituents Talk with your staff Track your findings Keep yourself flexible Understand your desired

outcomes Define what is a success