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57 of 999 DOCUMENTS Computers in Libraries March 2010

ProQuest: Libraries to Put Marketing Into High Gear

BYLINE: Baumann, Michael SECTION: NEW DESK: NEWS; Pg. 42 Vol. 30 No. 2 ISSN: 1041-7915 LENGTH: 330 words ABSTRACT According to Serials Solutions, these numbers speak to a need for improved collection discovery in libraries; if patrons don't know what resources are available, they won't be able to use them effectively. FULL TEXT A survey conducted by ProQuest shows that in the face of impending budget cuts, North American academic libraries are attempting to protect their funding through more aggressive marketing and outreach. Three-quarters of the respondents expect budget cuts of 5%-20% in their next budget year. As a result, 82% are stepping up their marketing and outreach efforts, betting that improved discovery of their collections can help generate revenue. According to the survey, 86% of respondents said faculty and students do not understand their collections totally, and 94% feel that the collections are not explored to their greatest potential. According to Serials Solutions, these numbers speak to a need for improved collection discovery in libraries; if patrons don't know what resources are available, they won't be able to use them effectively. Another tactic that respondents are planning to try is increasing the library's profile in the community through public programs. For instance, game nights, free printing, summer reading programs, and contests emphasizing imagination and creativity would increase not only the library's standing in the community but also build a public stake in its continued success. The survey totaled 63 respondents from academic libraries across North America and will be published in Serials Librarian in an article called "Raising the Library Profile to Fight Budget Challenges" by ProQuest senior vice president of marketing Lynda James-Gilboe. These approaches speak to a new emphasis on engagement with patrons that could help libraries weather the impending budget cuts. SIDEBAR Words of Wisdom 'THE GREAT THING ABOUT A COMPUTER NOTEBOOK IS THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU STUFF INTO IT, IT DOESN'T GET BIGGER OR HEAVIER.'

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-BILL GATES LOAD-DATE: March 12, 2010 LANGUAGE: ENGLISH ACC-NO: 15681 DOCUMENT-TYPE: News PUBLICATION-TYPE: Magazine JOURNAL-CODE: ICLB Copyright 2010 ProQuest Information and Learning All Rights Reserved Copyright 2010 Information Today, Inc.