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In Facebook training this fall, we talked about how to increase the chances that your Facebook posts will appear in your fans' newsfeeds. Here is the short answer.

Facebook likes clicks.

The more people click on your content--whether they are "liking" it, commenting on it, clicking to view a photo album, or clicking through a link you shared--the more people will see it. Facebook interprets all of those clicks as popularity, and bumps your post to the head of the line. This mysterious process is explained in more detail in this article.

The question now becomes, what motivates people to click on your content? What kinds of content are so compelling that your fans not only "like" a post, but even share it with their friends, attracting more fans for your page?

In this article, SocialTimes outlines the 7 reasons why people share content with their social networks. In short, they are:

1. Laughter
2. Inspiration
3. Cuteness
4. Originality
5. Shock
6. Surprise
7. Nostalgia

Good news! We have all seven in abundance at the library. Try one of these strategies on your next Facebook or blog post, and let us know what works for you.

Here's what Seth Godin has to say about graphic design:

Ten years ago, you had a wide range of excuses for being a lousy visuals person. Starting with no talent, leading to no skill and going from there.

But now, in a world where it is expected that professionals will be able to make beautiful powerpoint slides, handsome business cards, clever bio photos and a decent website, it's as important as driving.

The last phrase was made bold by me, because I completely agree with his statement and feel very strongly about this topic. What does the graphic design of your library's products (e.g. web site, posters, brochures, etc.) communicate about your library? Have you been using the same design to announce programs for the last 10 or 20 years? Or do you share a fresh face that engages and entices people to check out what you have to offer?

Take some time to look at the promotional materials you see when you're out and about in your community. What grabs your attention? What do you find attractive? And if your material is in the midst of others, do you notice yours or someone else's stuff first?

Maybe it's time your library's graphic design had a facelift! OWLS members are very lucky to have Bradd's talents at their disposal. Why not let him create something new the next time you place an order? He's just itchin' to break the mold and provide some eye-catching designs just for you.

> contributed by Beth

P.S. Remember to try to allow Bradd 2 weeks when you order materials!

We'll be celebrating National Library Week soon, April 12th through the 18th! We'll be providing some cool reusable InfoSoup book bags for all OWLS libraries to give away to patrons that week (to be handed out at the next AAC meeting), so start thinking about creative ways to share them. Here are a few ideas:

• Give to them away to the first people checking out materials in your library until they run out.
• Give them to fine-free patrons.
• Give them to patrons who pay off their fines.
• Give them to patrons who are willing to be recorded on video, sharing "Why I love my library."
• Give them to the crabbiest patrons (kill more flies with honey, kind of idea...)

I'm sure you'll be able to think of loads of more creative ways to give away the bags. Post your ideas in the comments!

You might want to order some free merchandise from the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries to hand out during National Library Week, as well. All merchandise is free and will be sent to you via the SCLS delivery system. Check out the order form [pdf], print it, then fax it to 608-245-3646 or just call 608-245-3645 to order direct. The materials are made available by the WLA Foundation with the intention of helping spread the word about the value and importance of all Wisconsin libraries.

> contributed by Beth

I just love this idea from the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County:

“Family Portrait Day
Bring the family in for a group portrait. The library will present you a CD of your shots and one 5 x 7 in exchange for permission to use any of these pictures for promoting use of the library. Call to schedule a sitting session…”

How cool is that?! Not only do the patrons go away with wonderful photos of their family, but the library has incredible shots to use as they please. Check out the photos on Flickr. Photos like these can go a long ways toward making our buildings and service more personal and welcoming. Love it!

(spotted on LibraryBytes)

> contributed by Beth

I've done a lot of research in the past about whether or not you should get permission from people you are taking photos of in your library. I could never find a definitive answer, as most responses I could find would be on one end of the spectrum or the other or would advise you to contact your local attorney for guidance. It seemed to come down to making a local library policy based on your community's comfort level and sticking with it.

Today I came across an article that provides more information and some good guidance you should consider. Read Laws for Using Photos You Take at Your Library by Bryan Carson for help with shaping a policy at your library.

> contributed by Beth

There are a variety of events coming up this Fall that you can promote at your library. Here's a gathering of a few with links to ideas and additional info.

Library Card Sign-up Month
September
The InfoSoup PR Committee sent out some cool posters to all OWLSnet directors to be posted in your community by September 1st to help celebrate this event. Please be sure to get the posters up, and if you need more, order some from Bradd. Read more about the Poster Campaign on the InfoSoup Info page.

AskAway Week
September 8-12
Help promote the Wisconsin Virtual Reference service AskAway. A press release, article, scripts, MP3 files, logo, and more are available for your use on the AskAway PR Wiki. 

Banned Books Week
September 27-October 4
Celebrate the freedom to read! Learn more about Banned Books Week, how to celebrate it at your library, and order promotional items on the ALA website. I also came across some great quotes to use via the PR-Talk discussion list. Here are a few:

• "Books and ideas are the most effective weapons against intolerance and ignorance." Lyndon Baines Johnson
• "We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people." John Kennedy
• "The ultimate expression of free speech lies not in the ideas with which we agree, but in those ideas that offend and irritate us." Chuck Stone
• "Don't join the book burners. Don't think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed." Dwight D. Eisenhower
  

Teen Read Week
October 12-18
This year's theme is Books with Bite@ Your Library! Read more about this event and how to promote it at your library on the YALSA website.

Will you be celebrating any of these events or others in your library this Fall? Let us know what you have in the works!

> contributed by Beth

There was recently a discussion thread on PR-Talk regarding library annual reports, formats used, etc. One reader submitted a link to Omaha Public Library's annual report from 2005/2006. Take a look at this pdf and see what you think (warning - the file is large, so it'll take a minute or two to completely download). It's certainly not your typical annual report,  eh? But probably a lot more fun to create! This might be a fun way to promote what your library does, whether for an annual report or a program or other special event.

What would your community think of something like this?

> contributed by Beth

Are you doing something super cool at your library to promote literacy? The World Book/ALA Information Literacy Goal Award is a $5000 award that, “is designed to encourage and support innovative and effective information literacy programs in today’s school and public libraries. Applications are due December 1 and can be found on the ALA website.

> contributed by Holly

I recently came across a fantastic service on the Waupaca Area Public Library homepage called Book a Librarian:

"Do you have questions on using computer applications, Internet, or setting up an email account or want assistance with the new microfilm machine? Call 715-258-4416 to reserve time with one of our knowledgeable professionals."

Great marketing of your services and professional staff, WAU! Are any of the other OWLS member libraries doing this? Add yourself in the comments if you are or if you're interested in trying it out.

> contributed by Beth

When reading the recent issue of Marketing Library Services, I came across an article about a place called DOK in the Netherlands, in Delft, to be precise. DOK calls itself a "Library Concept Center," mashing media, music, film, literature, and art together in an amazing, active, and thriving community center.

The mission of DOK is to become and remain the most advanced library in the world. Using creativity, technical innovation, and advancing scientific understanding, DOK endeavors to be an indispensable source of inspiration for its members, visitors, and partners in the city of Delft, in the Netherlands, and in the world. In this way, DOK hopes to safeguard access to the independent, objective, free flow of information that is essential for democracy now and in the future. 

Be sure the read the full article, because I think you'll be inspired by it. Jenny Levine, blogger also known as The Shifted Librarian, recently visited DOK and wrote about her trip in her blog. Take a look at Visiting the Most Modern Library in the World to see her take on this unique facility. She has also shared her photos of the trip in a Flickr set, so be sure to check that out while you're at it.

After you read the articles posted here, what do you think? Has DOK inspired you to look differently at your library? What kind of library would you like to have, assuming there were no limitations in budget, staff, or any of the other restrictions we feel daily?

>> contributed by Beth