Creating Your Library Brand: Communicating Your Relevance and Value to Your Patrons

From McDonald's arches to Nike's swoosh, logos are part of the everyday landscape. These are the visual representations of brands' extensive marketing stories, defining the meaning and message of the company.Branding is one part of the marketing process that focuses on developing a laser-clear message and the means to communicate that message to the intended audience. But, as a library, where does branding fit?In the new media mix, libraries need to stand up and effectively communicate their benefits as a preferred provider of information and entertainment resources. By following the step-by-step guidance of Doucett, branding pro turned librarian, libraries can begin to develop branding that makes a difference. With branding scaled and tailored to the nonprofit public library arena, this guide: clarifies marketing and branding; explains where to start; shows how to define the message and grab attention with visuals; and, considers pitfalls.The book covers everything from working with outside experts to evaluating and maintaining your library's brand, illustrated by case studies from other libraries. For those who have made a start, the chapters stand on their own - librarians can pick up wherever they left off. End-of-chapter exercises enhance the feedback process. Tips, suggestions for success, and answers to frequently asked questions ensure your team collaborates on a library brand that will bring more patrons through the door.…