Toolkit for School Library Media Programs - American Library ...

Collaboration
Collaboration is a key strategy for making information
power a reality and for increasing the visibility of the
school library media program. It can take many forms . . .
everything from fashion shows to oral history projects. In
addition to teachers, it can involve other librarians,
parents, community businesses and service groups—
anyone who wants to help students succeed.
Three good examples from Pennsylvania:
● Eight public and 10 school libraries held a fashion
show during Teen Read Week with middle and high
school students modeling the latest fashions—and
their favorite books. School librarians helped select
models to represent their school. Local television
and radio personalities emceed. A local mall
provided free space and retailers provided fashions,
hair styling and make up. The Blair County Library
System provided $400 to cover pizza, ALA Celebrity
categories you feel are useful.
Internal audiences include:
Staff—full- and part-time
Student assistants
Volunteers
Friends of the library
Other?
External audiences include:
Teachers
Administrators
Students
Parents
Board of education members
Funders: Donors/Legislators/Taxpayers
Prospective partners
Media
Other?
Key message(s): What is the most important
message you wish to deliver?
Use your key message as often and as consistently as
possible for maximum impact, e.g.:
Every student succeeds @ your library.
Strategies: How will you deliver the message?
16
Read Posters, Teen Read bookmarks and other
giveaways. (Contact: Vivian Van Dyke, vvandyke@
altoonasd.com)
● Inspired by the Library of Congress’ American
Memory Project, 4th and 5th graders prepared
PowerPoint presentations about family members’
memories such as immigration to the U.S., a family
heirloom, historic event or childhood recollection.
The project involves library, technology and
teaching staff from the Wickersham Elementary
School, Lancaster Country Day School, Lancaster
County Library, Library System of Lancaster County
and Millersville University; also the Lancaster Literacy
Guild. (Contact: Linda Carvell, carvelll@e-lcds.org)
● Students and seniors connect in a project sponsored
by the media center of the Western Wayne Middle
School and the Salem Public Library. Students send
email to the public library’s senior citizens group
telling about their favorite objects and hobbies.
Seniors respond by sharing the things they
Identify publicity and outreach activities aimed at
your target audiences. You will need to identify a
timetable and person responsible for each activity.
Strategies for delivering the message include:
Banners/Posters/Displays
Handouts/Giveaways, e.g., bookmarks, mugs
Media: School and community newspapers, radio and TV
Print materials: annual report, newsletter, flyers, tent cards, etc.
Web sites
E-mail lists
Presentations to groups
Collaboration with other departments/organizations
Word of mouth
Evaluation measures: How will you know what
worked and what didn’t?
Your objectives should provide a clear means of
evaluation. Frequently used measures include:
circulation, Web site visits, attendance at programs,
number of media stories placed/speeches given,
follow-up surveys/interviews, word-of-mouth
feedback, letters of appreciation, honors received.
Review each strategy and why it did or didn’t work.
Use what you learned in making next year’s
communication plan.