Marketing and Public Relations Practices in College Libraries

Faced with the need to prove the value of their library to institution decision makers, librarians are becoming increasingly aware of the value of marketing and public relations to accomplish these goals. A marketing campaign can also be useful in competing for diminishing financial resources, distinguishing the library from other information service providers, increasing awareness of library resources and services, and communicating the value of the profession. This CLIP Note presents results of a survey of over 175 college libraries along with sample documents of their marketing activities. A variety of activities related to marketing and public relations are represented, such as annual reports, fundraising, marketing campaigns, mission statements, position descriptions, and planning documents for exhibits, public relations, promotions, and marketing. This volume will be invaluable in assisting libraries that are considering initiating, expanding, or evaluating campaigns.