Public Events for Libraries: A Life Cycle Case Study

Date

2018-05-16

Authors

Ames, Eric

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Abstract

On January 17, 2018, Baylor's main campus library - Moody Memorial Library - held an evening event to celebration the installation of 92 new LED lights that replaced original fixtures which had been dark for decades. The event, which was dubbed ""Bring Back the Light at Moody,"" featured remarks from the university president and dean of libraries as well as custom, limited run giveaways, student contests and the kickoff of a year-long celebration of the building's 50th anniversary. In addition, it fit well with the university's new national marketing campaign, launched just a week earlier under the slogan ""Where Lights Shine Bright.""

This poster will discuss the steps undertaken by the libraries' Marketing & Communications (MarComm) team to stage the event, with most of the details coming into focus only 3-5 days prior. Poster session attendees can expect to learn:

  • How to incorporate celebration-related language into regular social media posts
  • How to effectively coordinate communication between numerous campus entities including the office of the president, the VP for marketing, institutional events and various library departments
  • Strategies for encouraging media coverage of your library event
  • Ideas for encouraging student participation in your event
  • Some ""what not to do"" words of wisdom earned through real-life experience
  • What kinds of promotional giveaway items were most popular
  • Why it pays to have a backup plan and more!

Description

Eric Ames is Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications for the Baylor Libraries & ITS. He helps create and direct marketing and strategic planning for the division and also serves as the libraries' lead grant writer. Eric previously served as Curator of Digital Collections and is an adjunct professor of Museum Studies, teaching classes on archival technology and marketing.

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