library programs from the cradle to the grave

Library programs from the cradle to the grave (and beyond!):Event management and growing your membershipBenita ParsonsLibrarian, Programs Coordinator

Your library has a set staffing budget, but needs to deliver programs to their customers.

You’re looking for direction and solutions

• How can you provide lifelong learning programs without additional staff?

• You want to have a range of sustainable programs in place and a community engaged with their library.

Follow these steps to make it happen.

1. Research your customers to determine who they are and what they want• For whom does your organisation

aim to provide?• Census data• Library membership statistics

Who are your strategically significant customers?• Those customers who have the

potential to be long term, frequent users of your library.

• They will be the best return on your investment

• They will come to attend programs then join as members and use other resources

• They will become your champions!

New Parents

Retirees

What do they want?Lifelong learning• “the gaining of knowledge through the

life span from a variety of sources and learning opportunities” (Kahlert, 2000).

• Children• brain development

• Adults • New skills for modern workforce• mental stimulation

Ongoing programs

Events: talks and workshops

Training opportunities

What else do they want? Opportunities to engage

Meet peers who also attend the programs

• Mums group• Book discussion

groups• Develop into

stand alone groups:

PC Support,

Writers Group, Craft groups etc.

Give back through volunteer work

2. Research the program resources available to you

Free presenters

Organisations who want to talk to your audience

• Alzheimers Australia • Australian Hearing • Volunteering SA • Breastfeeding Association • Council for the Ageing’s Seniors

Peer Education Centre

Government • Local government

• Dog and cat management• Planning & Heritage management• Environment and recycling• Aboriginal groups

• Police

Locals• Business• Groups• Experts• Your suppliers

Volunteers as facilitators

Programs that volunteers can run

• Preschool programs• Book Discussion Groups• Language conversation groups

(not classes)• Literacy tutoring• Family and local history• Basic Computer Skills

How do you find them?

How do you manage them?

• Recruitment• Induction• Training• OH&S• Performance Management• Booking and customer

management for program delivery• Volunteering Australia can help

3. Manage your events and programs

Allow yourself lots of time

Planning timeframes• Things to consider

• Availability of the space• Availability of staff/presenters• Marketing/advertising times• Time to design and print

promotional materials

Plan your event• Meet the needs of your target

market• Meet the aims of your organisation• Is this program or event already

provided by someone else?• Who can present it?• When is the best time?

Checklists

Be aware of any legal requirements

Marketing plan• Ways to reach your audience

• Posters and flyers• Email list of interested customers• Local newspaper• Wider media (may have longer lead

time)• Radio• Internet event calendars• SMS notification• Facebook• Council publications• Library newsletter

Liquor Licenses

APRA and APLIS

Evaluation• Track bookings• Don’t be afraid to cancel if low

numbers• What worked, what didn’t• Lessons learned• Celebrate success!

You can do it!1. Research your target customer

groups2. Research the resources available

in your community3. Plan and manage your events

It may take a while to build relationships and a reputation for great events but it will happen!

Questions?

Benita ParsonsLibrarian, Programs CoordinatorCity of Tea Tree Gully LibraryModbury, SAbenita.parsons@cttg.sa.gov.au08 8397 7449