[WEB4LIB] RE: marketing, lobbying, and vendors

[Dobbs, Aaron]

True, but ACLU also addresses issues that raise the hackles of more of
the general public.  

We (libraries) are pretty much taken for granted -- meaning our
offerings are not examined, merely accepted as "the way things should
be" (unless the vocal minority start grumping about how we are dens of
iniquity that want to force children to view porn or other such
silliness).  
The trick is to capitalize on our ubiquity (there are libraries all over
the place).  Of course the other trick would be to eradicate our
shushing stereotype.  Hm... Another trick could be to get kids to see
and share our (web4libbers and similar types') techno-savvy-ness.  

Straw poll alert: How many of us (web4libbers) actually have positions
that rewire even 1/4 time service in public areas?  Without a
savvy-seeming bunch in the forefront of public service how do we
convince "outsiders" we are technologically competent?

-Aaron
:-)'

Our whole American way of life is a great war of ideas, and librarians
are the arms dealers selling [loaning?] weapons to both sides.
-James Quinn


-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 2:47 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: marketing, lobbying, and vendors

> Unfortunately, many non-profit and arts organizations do not do a very

> good job of marketing themselves, either.

The ACLU has done remarkably well, increasing its membership (and its
revenue stream) through ad campaigns. 

Karen G. Schneider
kgs at bluehighways.com