Running a Successful Library Card Campaign: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians (How to Do It Manuals for Librarians)

Imagine tripling the number of people in your community who hold library cards. It can happen, and this manual shows you how. You'll want to take full advantage of the materials included, such as sample brochures, press kits, ads, handouts, strategic plans, budget outlines, meeting minutes, and more to help you jump-start your card campaign.

The author takes the view that programs such as these can serve as the pivot points for a new vision for the library, a way to build community support for it, and an opportunity to change its image. "Exemplary" campaigns are discussed in terms of planning, promoting, and implementing the various stages of the projects. Examples include large public libraries, yearlong campaigns, and partnerships with schools; the common thread is success. Descriptions of campaigns from Houston, TX, to Clayton County, GA, from the Philadelphia Free Library to Dickson, TN, showcase the many ideas, the hard work, and the results. Jones states that the book is not really a manual, outlining step-by-step instructions; he takes a "this is how-it-was done" approach, focusing on success stories. He addresses who in the community can help with the effort and the measurable goals. The appendix, a gallery of successful programs, includes reprints of documents such as applications in English and Spanish, reports, postcards, campaign rap, posters, and letters.
Mary Lankford, Library Consultant, Austin, TX
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

If you are thinking of initiating a library card registration drive, start here. This manual is loaded with inspirational stories of real-life successful campaigns; specific examples of flyers, forms, and other documents used in those campaigns; and tips and techniques for both large and small public libraries. Jones, best known for his works on library service to young adults (Connecting Young Adults and Libraries, Neal-Schuman, 1998; Do It Right!: Best Practices for Serving Young Adults in School and Public Libraries, Professional Media, LJ 10/1/01), also runs Connectingya.com, a consulting, training, and coaching firm for providing youth services. He also helped develop the Houston Public Library's Power Card campaign, which registered over 200,000 children in its first two years. His book provides a comprehensive guide for conducting a library card drive, beginning with questions to help set goals and make decisions appropriate to the particular library environment and needs. Essential elements of a successful campaign, such as partnerships and outreach, emerge as common themes. To Jones, "collateral outcomes," such as increased visibility and an enhanced library image, are the various inevitable and sometimes unexpected benefits of conducting a library card campaign. Fun to read, with a handy list of best practices gleaned from experience, Jones's book is highly recommended for public librarians, especially those who want to undertake a library card campaign. Lyn Hopper, Chestatee Regional Lib., Dawsonville,
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.