Is Adult Programming Right for You

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Is Adult Programming Right for You?

• Brett Lear
• Jefferson County Public Library, CO
• 303 232-9507
• brettl_at_jefferson.lib.co.us
• This presentation is available at
  info.jefferson.lib.co.us/cal

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www.anyfun.net
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www.anyfun.net
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Talking Points

• Adult programming.
• Defining a program.
• Is programming right for you?
• Reasons to say yes to programming.

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• Demographics.
• Universal trends.
• Learning more about your community.
• Conducting a survey.

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• Turning suggestions into reality.
• Choosing the best format
• And the right topic.
• Its show time!

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What is a program?

• Programming is a process by which the
  informational, educational, and recreational
  needs of patrons are met by bringing patrons into
  contact with the human resources best able to
  meet those needs.
• Lear, Brett. Adult Programs in the Library.
  Chicago American Library Association, 2002.

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To Program or Not to Program?

• Say yes if
• Youve integrated programming into your librarys
  mission, and
• Youve confirmed that you have the staff and
  other resources necessary to provide quality
  programming.

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Jefferson County Public Library Programming
Guidelines   All programs being considered for
Jefferson County Public Library should meet the
following criteria to ensure quality   1)      
Offers information best transmitted in
groups. 2)       Promotes appreciation of books
and reading. 3)       Introduces a range of
library services. 4)       Enhances the use of
the librarys collection. 5)       Improves
access to information for targeted
audiences. 6)       Encourages positive community
cooperation and support.   In addition to the
above criteria, we will consider attendance,
appropriateness of subject to the audience,
circulation in subject area of the program, and
comments from the public and library staff in
determining whether or not the program was
worthwhile.   Branch representatives to the
Programming Committee should discuss with their
own Branch Manager parameters for program
planning within the branch and consult the Branch
Program Goals. These goals might include space
and time constraints, impact on other library
services including Graphics, and special
interests of the branch.
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Remember, someone needs to

• Coordinate the program.
• Draft and mail the contract.
• Check your insurance coverage.
• Write the text for flyers and newsletters and
  press releases.
• Create the flyers and newsletters.

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Why say yes to programming?

• Programs can promote your collection.
• Programs can be the best way to present certain
  types of information (music performances
  English as a Second Language Classes).
• Programs can get people into your library who
  might not otherwise use it.

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Demographics, or Getting to Know your Community.
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Trends in Adult Programming

• Growing senior population.
• Both as an audience and a potential resource pool
  for presenters.
• Storytimes for adults.
• Growing need for citizenship classes and English
  classes.

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How do you learn more about your community?

• Ask yourself why adults attend the programs you
  sponsor.
• Has your library conducted any recent marketing
  studies or surveys?
• Take a look at the statistics that your library
  keeps.
• Look at the statistics that your library submits
  to state and national surveys and reports.

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• Develop a community profile.
• What are the major businesses or industries?
• What dominant groups make up the population?
• What are the ages and characteristics of the
  population?
• What leisure time activities are available?
• ODonnell, Peggy and Patsy Read. Planning Library
  Programs. Chicago Public Library Association,
  1979.

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• Ask others for help.
• Have other agencies (school systems or
  newspapers) conducted studies of your community?
• Talk to other libraries with similar community
  profiles.

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Conducting a Survey

• Ask the right questions.
• Distribute the survey at the right place.
• Use the information to set programming goals or
  to write a proposal for a new initiative (such as
  English as a Second Language classes).

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Programming Survey  If we were to begin offering
adult programs, which type of programs would you
be most likely to attend. Please select one of
the following  __ A monthly book discussion
group.  __ A film series covering a theme such as
Great Silent Classics or Film Noir.  __ A
how to program such as How to Select a Home
Computer or How to Travel Cheap in Europe.  __
A speaker sharing his or her knowledge with the
audience. For example, a Holocaust survivor
recounting her experiences at Auschwitz.  __
Workshops or classes that explain how to use
library resources such as the Internet and the
online magazine index.  __ I do not have an
interest in attending library programs for
adults.  Comments
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Now to turn your suggestions into reality!
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You will have many formats to choose from

• Speakers and panel discussions.
• Instructional presentations.
• Workshops.
• Live performances.
• Film or video discussions.

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A Holocaust survivor tells her story
(speaker). A fiction writing workshop
(workshop). A jazz ensemble plays Ellington
(live performance). A Saturday Afternoon
Fever film series where you show classics such
as Grease and Saturday Night Fever and discuss
them afterwards (film discussion).
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And the potential topics are limitless

• A video discussion series--centered around PBS
  The Mind--led by a health-care professional.
• An adult summer reading club.
• An introduction to Feng Shui.
• An antiques and collectibles appraisal fair.
• A journal and memoirs writing workshop led by a
  local writer.
• A panel of veterans presenting a program called
  World War II As Recalled by Local Heroes.

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Lets Re-Cap
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The possibilities are endlessEnjoy!
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Epstein, Benita L. Interlibrary Loan Sharks and
Seedy ROMs. Jefferson, N.C. McFarland, 1998.
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Is Adult Programming Right for You?

• Brett Lear
• Jefferson County Public Library, CO
• 303 232-9507
• brettl_at_jefferson.lib.co.us
• This presentation is available at
  info.jefferson.lib.co.us/cal