[Web4lib] Re: Database Marketing

[Diana Myers Hyatt]

Hi Sharon, 
The most important thing to remember when marketing your databases is show the benefit.

I think some great ideas have already been shared on list, and I believe marketing is the correct term to use because it will give you a larger reference point. I agree the term databases isn't great (how about "free online resources"?). Another point to make is this is an exclusive benefit only to library card holders, maybe a slogan on the line of "your library card can take you where Google can't." Show the benefitof your resources -- instead of just linking to a database from the home page, give it an enticing description, show why it's valuable to your patrons. Otherwise when they click on the link, they will just get a log on screen, which might scare them away. Give them the option to get help with logging on and using the database, or a way to reach one of your helpful reference librarians.

Other ideas of already been shared on building awareness -- bookmarks and other information located where the most likely users of a database will find them. You could also present to local clubs and organizations and send out press releases. Just stay away from the jargon we librarians tend to use and try to see it through the eyes of community members who have never used these kind of resources before.

 
Diana Myers Hyatt
dmyershyatt at yahoo.com
Web/Reference Librarian
Riverside Community College
Riverside Public Library




----- Original Message ----

>
>> Midsized public library looking for a better way to market our
>> databases.
>>
>> http://www.thebestlibrary.net
>>
>> Currently, we do a rotating "spotlight" of a certain database on our
>> homepage, and feature databases in our bi-monthly print newsletter and
>> the annual letter we send out to schools.  We attend local community
>> fairs and have presented a few workshops.  We also have gotten some
>> bookmarks and other promotional materials from vendors that we display
>> in the library.  In addition our Catalog Librarian has cataloged our
>> databases and these now display in our OPAC.
>>
>> We feel that our usage, especially considering the cost is not what we
>> would like it to be.  We are wondering if any public libraries have
>> developed a database marketing plan that could be shared with us.
>> Also, any ideas you tried that worked (or didn't) would also be most
>> appreciated.
>>
>> Please feel free to either reply on or off list.
>>
>> Sharon Grant
>> Adult Services Reference Librarian
>> Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
>> Corvallis, OR   97330
>> sharon.grant at ci.corvallis.or.us
>>