Planning Effective Programming

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Planning Effective Programming

• August 2002 MHLS
• Presented by Rebekkah Smith Margaret Keefe

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Planning Effective Programming

• Outline
• Determining what your community wants
• Administrative Necessities
• Program ideas speakers/performers sources
• Funding
• Advertising
• Preparation, day of event, and evaluation

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Why have programming in your library?
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Determining what your community wants

• What is a hot topic in your community? (for
  example Lyme Disease, the Hudson River,
  historical preservation, terrorism,
  drought)What has worked in the past?Ask your
  patrons what theyd come to (verbally or through
  a paper survey.)
• Demographic make-up of your community
• Look at Millennium search data to see what people
  are interested in.

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Administrative Necessities

• Insurance
• Contracts
• Accessibility

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Insurance

• Be sure to have insurance in place before hosting
  programming in the library.
• Talk to your board and insurance provider.

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Contract

• References
• Fees
• Signed contract
• Negotiating point you are one of 65 independent
  libraries in the area!

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Accessibility

• Think about this issue when planning a program.
• If anyone objects because they can't attend, try
  to identify accessible area library offering
  similar program.
• Be prepared to move the program to accessible
  area in library if feasible.
• Present accessibility complaints to Board so they
  can begin addressing building issues.

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Program Idea Sources

• MHLS EZ Program Database
• PUBLIB PUBYAC
• Speakers Bureaus
• Local Agencies
• MHLS Resources

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Finding speakers/performers

• Word of mouth
• MHLS Performers Showcase
• What are other libraries doing successfully?

• Local people who use your library might have a
  specialty they can share with the community.
• Contact local colleges and universities
• MHLS EZ Library Program Database

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Funding Programs

• Operating Budget
• MHLS Incentive Program
• Grants
• Friends of the Library
• In-kind Services
• Partnerships

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Advertising

• Press Releases
• Community events bulletin boards
• Print, online, radio, local stores
• Flyers both in the library and around the
  community
• Tell your board of trustees
• Your newsletter

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Preparation Workshop Kit

• Tape
• Markers and pens
• Extra name tags
• Extra sign in sheets
• Paper clips
• Post it notes

• Clock
• Scissors
• Electric cord, power strip
• 1st Aid Kit
• Camera

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Day of the Event

• Sign in sheets
• Evaluation sheets
• Name tags
• Program kit
• Signs as needed (for doors, rest rooms)
• Supplies equipment for speaker
• Program packets
• Refreshments

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Evaluation

• What is the value of evaluating programs?
• What should be in an evaluation form?
• How will you use gathered information?