Talk less, listen more to your patronsTalk less, listen more to your patronsRE: Talk less, listen more to your patronsBob Watson2008-12-17T17:09:36Z2008-12-17T17:09:36ZOne is: ask questions in your blog (and/or newsletter) and provide your e-mail address. It's best if these are narrowly focused.<br /><br />Be sure to answer!Bob Watson2008-12-17T17:09:36ZTalk less, listen more to your patronsJennifer Peterson2008-12-16T19:01:38Z2008-12-16T19:01:38ZIn the second town hall there was a lot of discussion about how our patrons and other community members are our key informants in understanding what their needs are.<br /><br />Folks said they have used surveys (web or print surveys at check out) to ask patrons what they want and need.<br /><br />Others encouraged to avoid surveys but rather to use a more personal touch and have conversations with:<ul style='list-style-type: disc';><li>Patrons outside the library</li><li>Non-patrons who maybe don't come to the library yet, because they don't know what's there</li><li>Shelvers and other staff who have those kinds of conversations with the public that maybe don't happen with the library director</li></ul><br />Suggested questions to ask in your informal interviews with these folks:<ul style='list-style-type: disc';><li>What do you worry about?</li><li>What do you wish you could do?</li><li>What makes you feel better?</li><li>What do you think the library does well?</li><li>What should we stop doing?</li></ul><br />What are your strategies for "talking less and listening more" to your community?Jennifer Peterson2008-12-16T19:01:38Z