New Jersey State Library’s newest public awareness campaign has started off with a national award and the posters haven’t even been distributed to the libraries yet. The New Jersey State Library was among five libraries in the nation honored for outstanding YouTube library-related video production at the Computers in Libraries Conference 2007 as part of the first InfoTubey Awards.
"We are thrilled to have received this award. The State Library is committed to combining the newest technologies with traditional methods to promote our libraries. This video isn’t just about what we think of libraries, it is what our residents think of us," commented State Librarian Norma Blake.
The New Jersey State Library award winning video, “Tell us Your Three Reasons” (Why You Love Your Library) is part of a larger campaign being launched this month. The video is posted on YouTube and linked from njlibraies.org and asks people to post three reasons why they love their library. Local libraries are part of the campaign which will feature billboards and posters located throughout the state encouraging residents to participate.
Produced by NJSL Director of Marketing Nancy Dowd, the video combines a RAP song about libraries, photos and clips from interviews conducted at local libraries, to create an exciting fast paced advocacy film.
"New Jersey residents love their libraries for many reasons. This campaign is all about giving a voice to them all. Whether people use their library to access wireless hotspots, study, meet with friends or use our online resources from home, libraries hold a special place in people’s hearts. This is a great way for anyone to post their comments about their library." commented Dowd.
The InfoTubey Awards, hosted by Bill Spence, VP, Information Technology, Information Today, Inc. and selected by panelists Marshall Breeding, Vanderbilt University; Darlene Fichter, University of Saskatchewan; Kathy Dempsey, Editor, Computers in Libraries; Rebecca Jones, Dysart & Jones Associates; and Aaron Schmidt, North Plains Public Library, were presented to the top five library video productions that demonstrated creativity, humor, and sincerity in marketing a library or library services or enhancing the library’s value. The winning productions were shown during the ceremony sponsored by Palinet which was held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.
In addition to the Three Reasons Campaign, the State Library has partnered with INFOLINK, the Eastern New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative to produce a comic book featuring Super Librarian which will be launched in partnership with Diamond Comic’s on May 5 for Free Comic Book Day. NJSL and INFOLINK are also sponsoring a YouTube/Comic drawing contest. The contest begins May 5 and anyone 11-18 is eligible to enter to have a chance to win a video MP3 player.
