Educating Your Patrons On the Importance of Libraries Begins with a Book List from Booklist

Yes I know that title is a stupid attempt at forcing a pun where there isn't really one, but I couldn't resist.

Yesterday I brought up the uncomfortable point that we need to get ahead of the up coming budget issues but arguing that you need to more consciously highlight the obvious work your staff does to enhance your patrons' library experience.  

Of course, I know we do so much they cannot see that makes the library work. However, as a profession we are also notorious for NOT educating the public on what all that work is. We spend too much time trying to make it look effortless. Now is not the time to do that. Now is the time to shout from the rooftops about how vital the PEOPLE behind the LIBRARY are.

On the other hand, we don't want to look like we are pandering. We want to advocate for ourselves with our Boards and our community with a soft, but firm sell. Again, as I wrote here yesterday, enhancing our core RA service with some bonus info is one way to  accomplish that.

Another is through a strategically placed book list, and courtesy of Booklist I have just that list.

Click here for the list from the Booklist staff, "Our Favorite Books Featuring Libraries and Librarians." Obviously you can share this list far and wide with your patrons-- online and in the building. The list in and of itself will create goodwill for your library and its workers because all of the books [fiction and nonfiction] portray a positive view of libraries.

HOWEVER...

Even more  important than the list is the website where you can find it right now-- I Love Libraries.

This website is an arm of the ALA and it is all about supporting libraries and library worker. Click here or on the graphic below, but the point you need to understand is that every time someone visits this list on the I Love Libraries site [rather than linking them to Booklist Reader where they can also access it], the banner you see in the embedded graphic below is on the top of the page. You are giving your patrons access to information to make your case about the importance of libraries while also giving them a booklist they will enjoy. People will explore the site once you send them there, and we want them empowering a site like this, a site that will make our  case for us.

This is the definition of a soft but firm sell. You give known library patrons a list of books about libraries [which they will love], while at the same time you are advocating for your library and its workers.