Category Archives: Public Relations

It seems infographics are all the rage these days. You see them (both good & bad) all over the web and in publications like Wired, Time, Newsweek,  the New York Times, USA Today, and others. Well, you can see a fine example of a data visualization being used for library advocacy at this site: http://www.ala.org/research/plftas/2011_2012/weatheringthestorm. It’s based on data from the 2011-2012 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study I wrote about earlier on this blog. Take a look! It is cleverly executed.

Nebraska Public Television and Radio (NET) staff, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Commission, are gathering the thoughts, perspective, and questions of the public this election year. Bill Kelly from NET visited Broken Bow to record a round table discussion with local citizens and Grand Island Public Library recently started to participate in this “NET Campaign Connection 2012: Voter Voices” project. This is a unique opportunity for library users to make use of a webcam computer to voice the important issues during this campaign season. (Seen on TheIndependent.com at http://www.theindependent.com/news/local/library-celebrating-national-library-week/article_f6f0032c-8256-11e1-9661-001a4bcf887a.html and SandhillsExpress.com http://sandhillsexpress.com/BuySell/BuySellDetails/tabid/108/ArticleId/5063/Nebraska-Public-Television-Radio-Voters-Voices.aspx..)

Citizens are invited to sit at the computer with a webcamera, state their name, and ask questions of the candidates or comment on issues important to them or to their communty. This is a great way to motivate people in your community to come into the library and use the library public computer center–participating in this exciting digital democracy project. See netNebraska.org/votervoices for more information. Libraries with public computer centers can contact Mary Jo Ryan, 800-307-2665, if you are interested in participating. Are you ready for your close-up?

You belong @ your library as libraries transform lives through technological literacy. Communities across the Nebraska are celebrating the valuable contributions of our state’s libraries during National Library Week, April 8 – 14. This year’s National Library Week theme is “You belong @ your library,” and libraries are offering programs and services that showcase technology and educational resources.

Libraries are transforming lives by providing patrons the tools and skills needed to compete and thrive in a 21st century marketplace. Libraries continue to provide traditional resources and services, but now customers will find bookshelves among computer labs and wireless environments. Nebraska libraries are becoming  technology hubs that thousands turn to and depend on for technological literacy resources, including free computer and software workshops, employment databases and free access to digital media.

Libraries continue to enhance traditional services with technology resources. “As technology continues to shape commerce, education and social interaction, libraries play a key role in leveling the playing field for their users,” said American Library Association (ALA) President Molly Raphael. “Libraries are transforming lives through education and lifelong learning, as free technology programs provide patrons with the tech skills needed to enhance economic opportunities and help communities thrive.”

For more information about how libraries use National Library Week to get the word out about library services and technology resources, see http://www.ala.org/news/pr?id=10020. What are you doing in your library this week? Comment below in the box below “Leave a Reply” to share information about the activities in your library.