Geek the Library: Helping Libraries Raise Awareness

 News / Last Modified: 25 April 2013

Geek the Library wants to help U.S. public libraries start local conversations. Libraries in 41 states are using the campaign as a springboard to raise community awareness about the value of the library and the critical funding issues many libraries face. The campaign has been widely available since 2010, but the concept is still viable and continues to garner attention.

Did you know the program is free and participants receive printed materials such as stickers and bookmarks? Participants also get access to online tools and templates that provide guidance for local implementations. Libraries of all sizes and staff capacities—with or without a budget—have reported successful campaigns with notable shifts in local perceptions about the library.

With an additional grant supplement last fall from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to extend availability and reach, the Geek the Library team has enhanced the program’s support structure to fully engage participants (especially library staff) to help improve local impact. The program will keep enrollment open until June 2014, with full support maintained through June 2015.

Interpreting Data for Big Impact

 News / Last Modified: 27 March 2013

“No matter how good your data are, you still need stories.” (PEW director Lee Rainie)

When the PEW Research Center issued a January report on Library Services in the Digital Age, the library field found affirmation and encouragement in the key findings from this neutral statistical reporting agent. The real challenge is to use the data effectively to communicate far beyond the library world and demonstrate the profound impact of libraries in our society. In spite of the happy statistical news, too many people still hold stereotypes of libraries.

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