Libraryman weighs in again in is ongoing discussion of netflix. I really believe this is something to pay close attention to, and Libraryman backs up his thoughts with some fascinating data. Do you read WIRED? You should! http://www.libraryman.com/blog/archives/000229.html “Why compete with Netflix?” With the thought that ultimately this really is about content access, Netflix is as good a place to start as any. So, why compete with Netflix? How about this: “Compete with Netflix as part of a multifaceted approach to securing and growing the role of libraries in the shifting community of information consumers.” Grandly put, compete with Netflix […]
Categories Engaging Library Users
183 posts
http://www.libraryman.com/blog/archives/000227.html As non-profits, couldn’t we just charge cost for an expanded level of service for patrons that selected to buy in. I know that idea upsets a fair hunk of library folks, but remember, it is an increasingly ”content, not containers” world now. Love it or hate it, it’s where we are now and it has to be effectively dealty with. People (aka patrons aka consumers aka customers) don’t give a hoot if they get what they want from the local library, from Amazon or from iTunes. A huge percentage of folks don’t even give a hoot if they have […]
http://www.libraryloft.org/ Cleck the link above or check it out at the Library Loft myspace page! This is an excellent example of involving teens, using new technologies and building community. What is YOUR library doing with teens and technology?
Kate the Hoosier Librarian writes: A friend of mine is going to do a speed dating program at her library in North Carolina in a couple weeks, and we’re trying to figure out if she is the first in the U.S. to do this. Have you heard of any other U.S. libraries doing this? I searched a couple of library literature databases and only found mentions of the program in Leuven. http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us/ The program is listed on their June 2006 Calendar of Events. Kate Hmmm..speed dating at the library! Could be fun and the library could offer folks that make […]
IM to other store Originally uploaded by jessamyn. File this under “Why Libraries should have IM activated at each department/branch!”
At Ridgedale for the last stop on the Minnesota Tour, I found that the public wifi start page also allowed for user feedback! This rocks!
On the Minnesota tour, I spoke a lot about how libraries can learn from The Cluetrain Manifesto, which says: “These markets are conversations. Their members communicate in language that is natural, open, honest, direct, funny and often shocking. Whether explaining or complaining, joking or serious, the human voice is unmistakably genuine. It can’t be faked. Most corporations, on the other hand, only know how to talk in the soothing, humorless monotone of the mission statement, marketing brochure, and your-call-is-important-to-us busy signal. Same old tone, same old lies. No wonder networked markets have no respect for companies unable or unwilling to […]
A lot of folks have already linked, but allow me to point you to http://engagedpatrons.org/ from Glenn Peterson at Hennepin County PL. And I agree with Sarah: It’s a HUGE deal! From the site: EngagedPatrons.org provides web services for public library websites. We enable you to offer events listings, blogs and more on your website, no programming required! The pages you create on our site “plug into” your existing web site. We do the programming for you; you reap the benefits of being able to offer your users a more engaging and interactive web presence. EP services are designed to […]
Via Stephen’s Lighthouseand the SELCO Blog: A report from the Urban Libraries Council (PDF) about Chicago Public Library is a useful guide to engaging your community and telling STORIES! Next step in my book: taking those same communities online via social tools! Come on CPL — try blogging! 🙂
Zip on over to Library Garden for this post from Peter Bromberg: http://librarygarden.blogspot.com/2006/04/practical-tips-on-creating-positive.html Peter is going to offer practical tips on improving customer service, which he chooses to call “customer experience.” I like that and it ties in so well with our discussions of barriers, sacred cows and more. Put Library Garden in your aggregator of choice folks! Practical tip #1: Start thinking about your customers’ experience. What do they experience when they walk in the door? When they visit your webpage? When they call your phone? When they email you? Ask these questions and encourage co-workers to do the […]