The Olmsted Parks Poetry Project

Posters from our most recent programming endeavor-- the Olmsted Parks Poetry Project.  The series included author talks, workshop activities, and a display of the library's Olmsted collection.  The majority of the events took place IN the surrounding Olmsted parks. For more on the series, see the Rooftop Poetry Club's blog.

We're Listening

As Coordinator of Library Communications, I'm often asked to come up with creative promotional ideas for large projects within the library.  Currently, we're participating in LibQUAL+...and we needed a really clever way to get folks to participate.  We decided to use cute loppy-eared animals along with the simple slogan,"We're Listening."

In keeping with the "We're Listening" theme, we also ordered ear-buds with the Butler Library logo, and created a series of animal bookmarks. Students have been very receptive to both of these creative marketing tools...

We're so excited to introduce yet another vinyl sign!  We were searching for a way to advertise our new Help Desk area, which offers assistance with research, computing issues, and equipment loan.  This large vinyl sign, created in a metallic grey color, really fits the bill. Need help? Ask us.

Free Tools to Create Infographics

Wouldn't it be great if you could design professional looking infographics for your library? If only you were a REAL designer, right? Well, you might just be in luck! Take a look at what you can do with these free sites.

Visual.ly allows you to "tell stories with data."  Don't just talk about it...show it! Here's a great example:

http://visual.ly/american-public-libraries-community-internet-access

http://www.easel.ly/create/?id=https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/5404/__library_survey&key=pri

Easel.ly is another amazing tool you can use to create infographics.  Why not share your next LibQual results through a graphic?  I just love this idea.

Also- check out this free tutorial on creating infographics from School Library Journal.

Many thanks to my tech-geek colleague, Ken Fujiuchi, for sharing these sites with me. Thanks, Kenny!

Create a Meme!

This idea comes from Katie Bertel, one of our librarian interns. She created clever marketing posters using the Meme generator (http://memegenerator.net/).  This is a fun way to use popular culture and the possibilities are endless.  Check out the site and see what you can create. (Note: I think this would make a great student contest-- providing the proper guidelines are in place.)

Quiet Please

Shhh! Our new 24/7 "QuietQuad" study area needed a "Quiet Please" sign. After much contemplation, we decided to go with a wall sized reminder. A local signage business helped us design this vinyl stick-on sign. The cost was very reasonable...AND the message seems to be getting across, too.

Note: This is removable vinyl in a copper metallic color, made by FASTSIGNS. The cost including installation was $460. 

National Poetry Month: Off the Map

Looking for a new project to help celebrate National Poetry Month?  We used outdated topographical maps as canvas for poetry!  Maps were on display in the library for the month of April.  View the complete "Off the Map" poetry project on E. H. Butler Library's website.