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NJ Libraries Go Mobile in Pilot Program
UPDATE: Library Journal just ran a great article in their online edition. Here's the link. We've also had interviews on 101.5 and a Brooklyn radio station!
Eight libraries from across New Jersey have been selected to join the New Jersey State Library, the NJSL Talking Book and Braille Center and Gold Mobile in a six-month pilot program to determine the effectiveness of using mobile communications to provide information to their users and supporters in a more timely fashion. The libraries selected represent a cross-section of libraries in the state, from large systems to small libraries in both urban and rural areas.
“Mobile phone usage is at the leading edge of a cultural change in communications,” said Norma Blake, New Jersey State Librarian. “The New Jersey State Library realizes communication networks are continually evolving and it’s important for libraries to keep up on those technologies that will help them reach existing customers, as well as inform new people of how libraries can help them."
Participating libraries are: Atlantic County Library System; Belleville Public Library; Burlington County Library System; Cherry Hill Public Library; East Orange Public Library; Hackensack’s Johnson Free Public Library; Howell Public Library; Princeton Public Library; the New Jersey State Library, Trenton; and the State Library’s Talking Book and Braille Center.
According to Nancy Dowd, director of marketing for the State Library, the program will concentrate on outreach to teens and the parents of younger children. "The idea of reaching teens and parents directly on their mobile devices just makes sense. This is the first program of its kind for libraries in the nation. These libraries are pioneers in our field. Their work will help libraries across the country learn more about this medium and provide the groundwork for future campaigns.
“Each library is creating their own strategy to create a community of opt-in patrons and build databases of supporters,” added Dowd. “This will enable them to remind teens and parents about programs; conduct surveys; support fundraising and legislative campaigns; make parents more aware of resources for adults and children; and enable libraries to do more spontaneous programming.”
PHOTO: Participating in the Marketing Strategy Meeting at the State Library were, from left: Andy Woodworth, Burlington County Library System; Mary Beth Fine, Atlantic County Library System; Nancy Dowd, director of marketing for the State Library, Karen George Atlantic County Library System; and Dawn Ferris, Burlington County Library System.
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