Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Building A Library Renovation Website Using Public Relations Principles, Kristen S. Shuyler

Libraries

Learn how James Madison University Libraries built an award-winning library renovation website using core principles from the field of public relations (PR). Key features include an interactive visual timeline (created with an open-source tool), a collection of memories of the library, and FAQs based on actual user questions.

Promoting The Bc Digital Commons: For And By The Community, Ady Dewey

Strategic Public Relations Projects

The BC Digital Commons (DC) is an open-access robust repository of artifacts, scholarship, publications, performances, events, and more. Through Google Scholar and other search engines, the content is accessed worldwide, yet the DC remains a little-known resource on campus. This fact motivated the director of the Forrer Learning Commons to seek input on how to more effectively increase submissions and the number of users.

The 2023 Strategic Public Relations class (COMM 347) began by educating themselves on the DC and brainstorming about potential advantages from a student’s perspective. They identified stakeholders to interview to determine general awareness and to test …

Law Library Continuing Services Webpage, May 2021, University Of Georgia Law Library

COVID-19 Pandemic Archive

This screenshot was the final version of the Law Library's COVID-19 Continuing Services webpage. First published on Friday March 13, 2020 as we prepared for our first week of building closure at the onset of the pandemic, it was the primary location of our library's facility hours, pandemic services, and closure information through Spring 2021. This version shows the way the webpage looked on the date it was unpublished May 17, 2021.

Law Library Reopening Video, Fall 2020, Rachel S. Evans, Geraldine R. Kalim

COVID-19 Pandemic Archive

In this five minute video UGA Law Library shared information about reopening for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, including changes to policies, virtual services, and access to the facility and other resources. This video was used as a part of communications with School of Law faculty, staff and students and embedded on the library's webpage for continuing services throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Law Library Virtual Tour Orientation Video, Fall 2020, Rachel S. Evans, Geraldine R. Kalim

COVID-19 Pandemic Archive

In this updated virtual tour for Fall 2020's incoming students at UGA School of Law the library took students on a tour of the building, shared resource and service information, and provided some details about navigating the spaces and accessing the collection during the pandemic. This video was included in the School of Law incoming student virtual orientation experience as part of their eLC course, managed by the school's Office of Student Affairs.

How To Hack Outreach: An A–Z Guide Of Ideas, Tips, And Tools, Rachel S. Evans, Marie Mize, David Rutland, Szilvia Somodi, Sharon Bradley

Articles, Chapters and Online Publications

In this article librarians and staff collaborate to deliver an alphabetical list of tips, tools, tricks and other resources for how they effectively work inter-departmentally to promote their library and institutional resources, services and information. The piece includes specific examples featuring several ideas from past library events, exhibits and displays, and other efforts with nods to several other colleagues from UGA Law Library. This article served as written documentation of this group's fall 2019 panel presentation at the Georgia Libraries Conference.

Communication Crisis In Tourism Office: Negative News By Online Media, Faustyna Faustyna Faustyna, Lukiati Komala Erdiana, Hanny .. Hafiar ., Iriana .. Bakti .

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to provide an explanation of how the Medan Tourism Office carries out communication crisis activities on negative coverage produced by online media on the culinary tour "Merdeka Walk" Medan Methodology: This research uses the constructivism paradigm. Ontologically, mental construction on social experience is local and specific and depends on the party doing it.. Finding: Negative coverage by online media triggered by fallen trees in 2017 at night culinary tourism location in "Merdeka Walk" has drawn a response from the Governor of North Sumatra with intrusion closing and diverting the function of night culinary tourism …

Use Best Practices To Promote Your Library, Adeen Postar

Adeen Postar

Best Practices is a term dating back to the 1980s that was popularized by business writers, most notably Tom Peters and Robert Waterman in their bestseller In Search of Excellence: Lessons From America's Best Run Companies (1982). Essentially, this term implies success; that certain actions, attitudes, and programs are the most efficient and effective way of doing business and that the same measures can be used with successful outcomes in all similar organizations. But are there really best practices that can help enhance public relations for every type of law library? I believe that there are.

From Print To Digital And Back Again: Three Decades Of Lessons From A Library Newsletter, Rachel S. Evans

Presentations

This session shared the many lessons learned over the years of publishing the UGA Law Library’s longstanding newsletter Amicus Briefs both in print and electronically. It also shared current tools used for online and print publication, as well as assessing readership including Drupal, WordPress, MailChimp, Google Analytics and DataStudio, Piktochart, iTunes, YouTube, Feedburner, and Digital Commons.

Why Can’T We Be Friends? Examining The Benefits And Challenges Of Maintaining Your Friends Of The Library, Maureen Rust, Julia Stringfellow

Collaborative Librarianship

One of the most fruitful collaborative relationships a library can have is with its Friends of the Library organization, providing that group is vibrant and progressive. This article provides insight into the history of the Friends of the Library group at a regional comprehensive university since its founding in 1962 to nearly becoming defunct in 2015. The steps taken in the transformation of the Friends of the Library since then from an inactive group with no clear direction, to a robust organization with an active board who have identified goals and strategies for successful library advocacy are described. The work …

Library As Publisher, Chronicler, And Archiver: The Evolution Of Amicus Briefs, Rachel S. Evans

Articles, Chapters and Online Publications

This article shares the rich history of one library newsletter. It also discusses lessons learned over the years including the archival value of a newsletter and the tools used to create and share them.

Retiring The Mack: Preparing Campus Community For Library Construction Project, Ady Dewey

Strategic Public Relations Projects

The Bridgewater campus was on the verge of a dramatic change as the Alexander Mack Memorial Library transformed into the John Kenny Forrer Learning Commons. The project impacted every student as the Mack closed its doors in May 2018, library services were moved to another building and warehouse, and new study spaces were created on campus. Despite this project touching every current and prospective student, there was not a distinct communication plan to reach this audience.

At the request of the library administration, the Strategic Public Relations class planned and recommended how to promote and educate the campus community about …

Social Media Best Practices In Academic Libraries (2016), Sue Robinson, Bettina Peacemaker, Emily J. Hurst

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Data

In order to understand current trends and use of social media in libraries, VCU Libraries created and conducted an online survey using SurveyMonkey. Our approach was informed by the study of social media and public relations practice conducted by Wright and Hinson (Wright, Donald K. and Michelle Drifka Hinson. 2015. “Examining Social and Emerging Media Use in Public Relations Practice: A Ten-Year Longitudinal Analysis.” Public Relations Journal 9).

The VCU Libraries survey consisted of 22 multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and open ended questions. The survey was distributed to email discussion lists frequented by library professionals involved in management or communications. The data …

Why Can't We Be Friends? Examining The Benefits And Challenges Of Maintaining Your Friends Of The Library, Maureen Rust, Julia Stringfellow

Library Scholarship

One of the most fruitful collaborative relationships a library can have is with its Friends of the Library organization, providing that group is vibrant and progressive. This article provides insight into the history of the Friends of the Library group at a regional comprehensive university since its founding in 1962 to nearly becoming defunct in 2015. The steps taken in the transformation of the Friends of the Library since then from an inactive group with no clear direction, to a robust organization with an active board who have identified goals and strategies for successful library advocacy are described. The work …

From Print To Digital And Back Again: Lessons From A Library Newsletter, Rachel S. Evans

Presentations

UGA Law Library’s longstanding newsletter Amicus Briefs first saw circulation in 1984. Over a period of more than 30 years the publication has changed hands, formats and styles many times. Today the newsletter is published both electronically and physically, and in 2017 is now further expanding its reach via podcasting. This session will trace one library newsletter’s journey, sharing lessons learned along the way about platform and content choices, marketing and dissemination, and measuring readership. The past and present technology used will also be discussed including HTML, Drupal, WordPress, MailChimp, Google Analytics, Facebook and Piktochart.

Job Searches In Liaison Departments: Opportunities For Outreach And Inreach, John Glover

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Liaison librarians are uniquely positioned to provide a library introduction to job candidates in their liaison departments. This outreach identifies important resources that might attract candidates, showcases the library to them and to liaison departments, and helps to solidify a library or library system's suite of offerings to a discipline.

Social Media Events Public Relations Form, Joan Barnes

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

This is the UNL Libraries Social Media Events PR form which allows event planners to create a checklist to manage distribution of event information.

Connecting Best Practices In Public Relations To Social Media Strategies For Academic Libraries, Bettina Peacemaker, Sue Robinson, Emily Hurst

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Academic libraries worldwide use social media to inform and connect with users. VCU Libraries is no different and must keep up with rapidly evolving platforms and user expectations. When our presence stretched across 22 channels, we needed to ensure social media efforts were managed in the most effective and efficient manner possible. To develop a research-based, unified vision for communication for new media, we scanned the literature in the library and public relations fields and then surveyed librarians to address identified gaps. Based on results, we offer recommendations focused on best management practices and strong content strategies.

Blowing Our Own Horns: Library Marketing As An Essential Management Skill, Jennifer A. Bartlett

Library Faculty and Staff Publications

This New and Noteworthy review column presents a few recent, representative books and articles on library marketing and public relations, focusing on the importance of these areas in the library manager's skillset.

Social Media Best Practices In Academic Libraries 2015, Sue Robinson, Bettina Peacemaker, Emily Hurst

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Data

While academic libraries worldwide have embraced social media as tools to inform and connect with users, behaviors and expectations are evolving and platforms are growing. In order to understand current trends and use of social media in libraries, VCU Libraries created and conducted an online survey using SurveyMonkey. Our approach was informed by the study of social media and public relations practice conducted by Wright and Hinson (Wright, Donald K. and Michelle Drifka Hinson. 2015. “Examining Social and Emerging Media Use in Public Relations Practice: A Ten-Year Longitudinal Analysis.” Public Relations Journal 9).

The VCU Libraries survey consisted of 21 …

Can You Spare 2 Hours? Target Your Audience With Customized E-News, Bettina Peacemaker, Patricia D. Sobczak, Martha Roseberry, Sue Robinson

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

E-newsletters (built in an affordable or free online mail platform) allow librarians to reach faculty with pointed, subject-based information. This poster features a sample from a series of e-newsletters created by liaison librarians, as well as tips for producing custom newsletters and discussion of impact.

Out With The Old, In With The New: Best Practices For Replacing Library Signage, Mark Aaron Polger, Amy F. Stempler

Publications and Research

Signage is an essential way of communicating with users and is a vital way to alert patrons to important information, news, upcoming events, policies, and directions. Literature on library signage has emphasized the importance of consistency and clarity, to avoid clutter and contradictory messaging, and the need for buy-in from library staff, faculty and patrons. However, few scholarly studies address user preferences in signage. This article fills the void between theory and practice, and offers step-by-step details for revamping signage, specifically in an academic library. At the heart of the authors’ thesis is that library signs are living documents. Libraries …

Reach Out In A New Direction: Applying Public Relations Best Practices To Academic Outreach, Bettina Peacemaker, Sue Robinson, Marilyn Scott

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Public relations isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies or high-profile celebrities. The Public Relations Society of America defines public relations as “a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” Thinking about outreach in these expansive terms goes beyond simple promotional activities, media relations, or marketing tactics, and the message should resonate with librarians. Building “mutually beneficial relationships” is at the very core of public services, and serving multiple publics should also be a familiar concept as libraries strive to reach a multitude of audiences.

This poster presentation explores key public relations best practices to …

Diversity Project: Poster Series Connects Core Values To Library Materials And Expertise, Bettina Peacemaker, Sue Robinson, Marilyn Scott

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Virginia Commonwealth University celebrates diversity as a core value, and VCU Libraries actively strives to foster inclusion and an understanding of difference. The diversity and culture poster series was envisioned as a way to connect education about diversity directly to library collections and expertise. This poster details the distribution, response, and impact of the series.

Do You See The Signs? Evaluating Language, Branding, And Design In A Library Signage Audit, Amy F. Stempler, Mark Aaron Polger

Publications and Research

Signage represents more than directions or policies; it is informational, promotional, and sets the tone of the environment. To be effective, signage must be consistent, concise, and free of jargon and punitive language. An efficient assessment of signage should include a complete inventory of existing signage, including an analysis of the types of signs, its location, language, and its design. This article outlines the steps involved in a comprehensive signage audit, which along with a literature review, provides the foundation for creating a signage policy, best practices guidelines, and a branding strategy for future signage.

‘America’S “Engagement” Delusion: Critiquing A Public Diplomacy Consensus’, Hamilton Bean, Edward Comor

FIMS Publications

The Obama administration has embraced ‘engagement’ as the dominant concept informing US public diplomacy. Despite its emphasis on facilitating dialogue with and among Muslims overseas, this article demonstrates that, in practice, engagement aims to leverage social media and related technologies to persuade skeptical audiences to empathize with American policies. Indeed, its primary means of implementation – participatory interactions with foreign publics – is inherently duplicitous. Through the authors’ description of how engagement is rooted in long-standing public relations and corporate marketing discourses, and in light of the historical and structural foundations of anti-Americanism, this contemporary public diplomacy strategy is shown …

Getting Law Students Into The Law Library: The University Of Michigan Succeeds With A Plan, Jennifer L. Selby

Law Librarian Scholarship

The goal of the University of Michigan Law Library's Awareness Campaign was to raise the consciousness of law students about the many ways in which librarians here can help them succeed as students now and as lawyers later. We sought to increase the number of students using the library. We wanted to get them physically into the library, and, once here, we wanted to increase students' use of the library's services: reference and circulation services, research consultations; our multitude of web-based resources, including our online research guides, book sts, and tutorials; group study rooms, etc. Not onl did we strive …

Use Best Practices To Promote Your Library, Adeen Postar

All Faculty Scholarship

Best Practices is a term dating back to the 1980s that was popularized by business writers, most notably Tom Peters and Robert Waterman in their bestseller In Search of Excellence: Lessons From America's Best Run Companies (1982). Essentially, this term implies success; that certain actions, attitudes, and programs are the most efficient and effective way of doing business and that the same measures can be used with successful outcomes in all similar organizations. But are there really best practices that can help enhance public relations for every type of law library? I believe that there are.

Academic Librarians And Outreach Beyond The College Campus, Iona R. Malanchuk, Marilyn N. Ocha

The Southeastern Librarian

Although numerous efforts have been made to enhance the literacy skills of children and youth, recent research clearly demonstrates the continuing need to develop and implement additional imaginative programs which lead to an increase in reading and reading comprehension skills. Whereas public and school media librarians have paved the way towards building successful literacy programs, academic librarians should also participate in literacy outreach programs for children and youth in order to help build these skills and encourage lifelong learning. This article addresses why and how academic librarians can help with the nation’s efforts to combat illiteracy.

Encyclopedia Of Public Relations (Review), Sue Polanka

University Libraries' Staff Publications

This article is a book review of "Encyclopedia of Public Relations" by Robert L. Heath.