White paper: communicating the library’s value
Library resources are the key to new academic discoveries, new theories and ground-breaking research, and there are ways that publishers and librarians can work together to make sure that the library is able to provide as much value as possible to the important work of its patrons.
This white paper, launched in November 2016, brings together a wealth of information on how librarians communicate the value of their library, engage with faculty, and promote their collections.
We’ve held focus groups, conducted telephone interviews, surveyed librarians, and hosted events to learn more about what works, what doesn’t and how we could share some of those insights. Through our research we found out what’s being done, what creative solutions can look like and how some librarians are cleverly re-working resources they already have at their disposal.
This must-read report for librarians:
- Explores the innovative ways that libraries are communicating their value to a range of stakeholders
- Looks at digital marketing, engaging with faculty, hosting successful events and making the time for these activities by adopting lean practices.
- Features concrete, low cost examples that librarians can implement in their own institutions
- Introduces a shifted perspective on the value of the library that goes beyond marketing new content.
- Includes stories from librarians who are keeping their libraries relevant by coming up with inventive ways to appeal to students, getting creative in the ways they communicate with key members of faculty, and being tenacious when it comes to establishing and continuing new projects.
- Argues that the one thing successful libraries had in common was an updated view of the patron as a customer. Customers have choices and the library should position itself to be the first choice for students and faculty alike.
- Highlights the unique, cross-faculty perspective of libraries, which puts them in a perfect position to see and understand what happens within an institution. They also manage key external relationships and are deeply involved in the conversation about developments in scholarly communication. This position empowers librarians to make a meaningful impact within their institutions, especially considering the importance of their responsibilities within the context of wider institutional goals.
Want to know more? Read our white paper.
