It is has always been intended that the Public Relations & Publicity Awards should be a source of encouragement; recognising that libraries have different levels of funding and resources.
Category One is designed to assess entries from libraries that have less than £500 to allocate to a promotional campaign. £500 if used carefully can finance a valuable campaign. This was certainly demonstrated in the wide range of entries.
Judges looked for good and innovative use of available resources, value for money and sound planning.
Winner
West Lothian Council Library Services
Books @ Lunch Time
There is nothing like a strong image to capture the interest of a new audience. Couple this with one of the best known abbreviations in the catering industry - BLT - cleverly interpreted as Books @ Lunch Time, then you are half way to success.
Of course it doesn’t stop there, you need to inspire your staff; organize the programme of publicity; communicate with the people who will help to bring your plans to fruition and spend your limited budget wisely.
The entry from West Lothian showed how Books @ Lunch Time, an outreach project providing lunchtime services to Council workers was planned meticulously. They chose to invest a large percentage of their budget in quality photography of their promotional image. Using their resources wisely, they kept their objectives keenly focused. Documentary evidence in the form of evaluation showed that their objectives had been met and that the service was appreciated.
The judges commented that “This was a great entry, they knew what they were doing. It stood out above the rest”.
Congratulations to West Lothian library Services for Books @ Lunch Time.
Commended
Newman College of HE Library and Student Support Centre
Have we got news for you!
Keeping users in touch with all that is going on and communicating the anticipated improvements and developments to the service is all part of a successful promotional campaign. This was achieved by the publication of the Library Times. By using the skills of a member of staff who was a professional journalist prior to working in the in the Library, they provided copy that was readable and interesting.
The Library Times, available in both print and electronic format , accomplished what it had set out to achieve, to communicate with students and academics and increase the use of the service.