Show + Tell Learn + Do

messaging is easy, when you think of it like this

Tammy Westergard, Deputy Director

Scenario•You are a library director headed into City Hall from the nearby parking lot.

•The Mayor intercepts you and asks you to meet him in his office in :10 minutes to visit with executives from a video game development company considering relocating to your community. He says, “These folks are aware of the new computer technology available in the library, if they decide to move here it could mean as many as 20 new, high paying jobs and the beginning of a new economic cluster for our community. Can you talk with them about ways we can help them grow their business in Carson City, if they choose to locate here?”

•What do you say?

Show and Tell[INTRODUCTION] Of course, Madame Mayor! Thank you for asking me.[EMPHASIZING THE BENEFITS OF OUR LIBRARY’S DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES] You know, as a part of our commitment to deploying relevant business tools, we have recently completed the installation of the green screen in the digital media lab; and our cameras can now be checked out. Plus, as you know our resolve to support our formal education partners is especially active with the high school. Our partnership has attracted a large cache of student interns eager to get hands-on work experience.

[SETTING THE INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL STAFF APART] You know, Ms. Smith our Youth Information Professional, has just returned from the Games + Learning Society’s annual conference and our staff is aware of some of the recent research in the field of g-learning.

[SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE NEXT STEP] I will be right over, Madame Mayor. If they have time I’d be happy to tour them through the digital media lab this afternoon, or plan a time in the near future – whatever works. It is wonderful they have heard about the 21st century tools in our library and the value they bring to business, I will follow up with you in the morning and get more direction from your end as well.

This is how the Mayor is feeling

The library is a sure bet.

That the professional staff understand the challenge of hard work.

Library services are vital to overall community success.

The library is a model of connection.

The library keeps our community growing in all the right ways.

This kind of showing and telling creates raving fans.

Repeating the message with detail

A SURE BET …………..

This library is a community hub with “skin in the game”. To date the community’s combined investment in this facility is XXXX over the last XXXX years. In the last two years alone, with matching funds from our Foundation and Friends, library federal and state grants amount to over $XXX for technology and programming. The XXXXX Library is at a big table to receive support from many places. With partners like these the library is a sure bet in successfully competing for tremendous resources when opportunities open.

THE CHALLENGE OF HARD WORK…..

The tools and information professionals of our library are already focused on the needs of business, workforce training and lifelong learning. And, unlike many programs, access simply requires a library card to gain a team with a strong network of contacts in business, market analysis, grant writing, marketing and mentors; and a team with a strong network of contacts in online education, both public and private, various cutting edge learning tools for all types of learners and deep understanding of 21st century skills essential to every kind of successful business today. The XXXXX Library helps citizens rise to the challenge of working harder, smarter and better.

VITAL TO OVERALL COMMUNITY SUCCESS …..

The library is the only public service that in such a big way gives everyone access to opportunity.

A MODEL OF CONNECTION …..

As a library the XXXXXXXXXXXX provides the 21st century tools necessary for teaching and doing, and help connect our community's educators and business people. This results in employers and teachers better understanding workforce and education demands. With that understanding comes a clear view of what our community needs to do in order to compete. Special focus is on those businesses that offer primary jobs in our community, especially in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) fields to provide opportunities for our youth to compete for good paying jobs. Partners include many businesses and public and private educators.

.

GROWTH IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS …..

tools for education tools for business a healthy heart

Develop your own story• What is one of your library’s strategic goals (from the strategic plan)?• What are the objectives of that one goal?• What are the key messages in 10 – 15 words?• Who is the audience?• Why is this goal important to them?

1) 2)3)

• What do we want the audience to:1) think?2) Feel?3) Do?

• Three supporting points that relate to the thinking, feeling and doing1)2)3)

• Examples, stories, and facts that support this message1)2)3)

Consider how everyday at the library is show and tell…..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l70CbQqyo7U

Taking Apart the BranchAnywhere Show + Tell

• What is one of your library’s strategic goals (from the strategic plan)? -The Carson City Library will proactively seek, expand and maintain collaborations.

• What are the objectives of that one goal?-The Carson City Library staff will work beyond the walls of the library, engaging individuals from other programs and service providers from both similar and dissimilar organizations.

• What are the key messages in 10 – 15 words? -Good schools require a good community library and people in a learning society need libraries throughout their lives.

• Who is the audience? - Boys + Girls Clubs of Western Nevada families, staff and leaders, the Carson City School District & Carson City

Library supporters• Why is this goal important to them?

1) The library is a valuable resource that must be leveraged.2) The Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada requires strong community partnerships.3) The Carson City Library leadership and Trustees are responsible for implementation of strategic goals.

• What do we want the audience to:1) think? The resource is effective.2) feel? Libraries matter.3) do? Support this program.

• Three supporting points that relate to the thinking, feeling and doing1) Youth are reading and using technology.2) Youth are learning.3) Leadership will firmly remember this library embedded program outside the walls of the library.