Getting people to use the
library’s services can be a real challenge now with all the new
alternatives on how to spend your free time. In this case, we should create attractive
features and link innovative ideas for the library visitors.
1.
Partner with local organizations and companies to create
a community hub
Sharing the public space
of the library with another institution can be a fantastic way to cover more
needs and attract different user segments. It is often easier to partner with a
local public institution that shares the same set of values, but you can do even
more by partnering with local private organizations. [Transform your library into a community space where people gather to find
information, play games, eat and drink, enjoy family time or participate in an
exhibition.]
2. Collaborate with other libraries
from the region and offer a combined library service
Partnership with local public or private organizations
represent a fantastic way for the library to extend its services. But there is
also the possibility to create partnerships with other libraries and offer a
more attractive service to users. There are many benefits when implementing
this kind of strategy, such as one single membership card for access to all the
public libraries in the network, access to all the combined digital resources
and the possibility to return the books to any branch in the network. There are
also challenges when considering this kind of strategy but the trick is to
combine local choice when it comes, with regional or larger merging of other
services.
3.
Create new spaces at the library Transform
the vulnerable members of your community into the library’s most faithful users
Besides the resources that they offer, libraries are more
valued now for their spaces and the experiences that they create for the
community. As the physical location becomes a living space for meetings and
interaction, the libraries need to consider the dynamics at the library and
create new spaces. That can be ensured by adding a café on the perimeters and
other zones where people can openly interact and exchange knowledge. A maker
space is another good example of how libraries enable innovation and help
people learn new skills while sharing their experiences and resources with others.
Eg.
·
Social space
for interaction and knowledge exchange
·
A quiet space
for contemplation
·
A maker space
for innovation
·
A neutral and
trusted space for public use
4.
Find out who the non-users are
and get them to the library
Libraries
are for everyone and all citizens should have access to knowledge. Even so,
there a few members of the community that have particular needs and the library’s
offerings for them are a bit limited or missing. The have a bigger impact on
their lives and to actively guide them in their learning, a library can also
implement new programs specially for these target groups. By helping refugees
integrate into the local community, adapting the library’s resources to offer
people with disabilities access to information and by helping the homeless
integrate back into the society, the library can play a key role in their
lives.
5.
Find out who the non-users are
and get them to the library
A high number of people have never been to the library or
if they have been, they haven’t used most of the library’s services. There is a
thin line between what differentiates a non-user from a user and the only way
to find these differences is through research. Also, libraries need to adapt to
these findings and make some changes in the services and the experience they
offer. Promote their activities, proactively presents all the library’s services,
like; ‘let me show you this and this’
6.
Add innovative technologies at
the library and get people interested to try them
When we talk about technology, libraries have been the
first ones to get computers and other technologies and make them available to
everyone. So, why not be a trendsetter in digital use and implement innovative
technologies along with educating the public on how to use them? Augmented
reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, 3D printers, robots,
drones and mobile apps are just a few of the emerging technologies that can be
used in libraries. Technology is a great way to create new and interesting services
for the public in a time where the libraries have to adapt to the constantly
changing needs of the users.
7.
Give the users the “keys” to the
library so they can visit it whenever they feel like it
Librarians should lead the way in technology use among
fellow residents but simultaneously, they need to gain more time for the most
important activity – helping patrons. Lately, as libraries have extended their
hours of availability, new forms of self-service solutions have emerged in the
form of machines or software for different processes. Tools such as inventory
readers, printing and copying, fines payment, reception of returned materials
or even dusting off the books is facilitating the user flow at the library and
the staffs’ daily activity. Also, self-service technology is the best solution
to guarantee the availability out of normal opening hours and to make sure that
the patrons can use the library’s resources as they would normally do.
8.
Use social media tools to create a voice for
the library
Libraries offer a plethora of
creative and interesting events, but a lot of times these events don’t reach
people’s eyes or ears. Focusing on a few online tools is the best way to improve
your library’s presence in the community and make people aware of its
existence. By using social media channels, patrons can stay connected to the
library’s newsfeed and events all day and you spend no money on promotional
materials. Streaming video and adding a few YouTube videos are a real trend
these days and it is of great benefit to bring the library to the online
community and make users aware of the events taking place at the library. Podcasting
and blogging can be used for introducing and presenting various topics to a
broader audience and at the same time, you can create the needed content for
social media distribution. Finally, newsletters and messaging apps are
effective ways to make a more personal connection with patrons and maybe even
answer more personal questions.
Source:
princh
