Contributed Paper Abstract
Marketing the Special Collection in a Health Sciences Library
Rozalynd McConnaughy, Center for Disability Resources Librarian, and Sarah Gable, Associate Director/Head of Public Services, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library, Columbia SC.
Purpose: This paper will discuss the marketing efforts used to promote the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) Library, a new addition to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library.
Setting/Participants/Resources: The CDR Library was moved from the Center for Disability Resources to the School of Medicine Library to improve information services and access to the collection. The CDR Library consists of books, videos, brochures, and audiotapes geared toward professionals, families, and children. Any South Carolina resident is eligible to use the library. The library is grant-funded; thus the utilization of the library is vital to its existence.
Brief Description: With a change in location and a new telephone number we knew that we must publicize the library in order to ensure full utilization. A variety of marketing techniques were used to publicize the library’s new location, contact information, and services. A new and updated web page was the first consideration. Following that, a brochure was created about the library. Armed with these marketing tools, librarians exhibited at conferences and gave presentations to groups to promote the CDR Library and its services. A catalog of items relevant to transition coordinators and special education teachers was published and distributed. Articles about the library were published in newsletters. A monthly new book list is disseminated to patrons via email.
Results/Outcome: Usage statistics increased due to the marketing efforts. Longer library hours and online access to the library holdings increased access to the collection.
Evaluation Method: Statistics and patron feedback are used to monitor library usage and effectiveness of marketing techniques.
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