Information Outlook, Vol. 6, N0. 1, January 2002
Now is the Time to Start Planning for ISLD 2002!
International Special Librarians Day 2002 (ISLD) April 18, 2002, is right around the corner. Now is the time to start publicizing the pivotal roles and contributions of information professionals in a knowledge-based society. As a leader in the global information community, on the front lines every day obtaining first-hand knowledge, and experience on the perceptions and attitudes surrounding the profession, you understand that your participation and communication play an important role in raising awareness and recognition for the profession. With that in mind, a theme was created that embodies the ISLD message. "Leadership, Partnership, Membership: Expanding Global Knowledge Frontiers" conveys that information professionals are united in leadership, partnership, and membership on a global quest to open and expand new frontiers of knowledge.
ISLD Promotional Items & Ways to Celebrate
Each year SLA creates promotional materials to celebrate ISLD. The promotional items bearing the ISLD theme and logo provide a great visual effect, enhancing your promotional efforts. Here are some great activities for you to use your promotional materials at your library and information center!
· Host an open house for your users.
· Engage your users in a live activity that will lead to a greater understanding of your role(s).
· Give interactive tours of your information center.
· Create a user guide/brochure for your library, outlining your resources and services.
· Give internet search tips to help with most commonly asked questions/problems.
· Host a debate, forum, or other event that focuses on the use of information and knowledge. Sponsor a speaker's series throughout the week or a one-day event.
· Sponsor a career day.
ISLD Press Kit
This year, we have enhanced the ISLD 2002 Online Press Kit. Now the online press kit contains detailed information on ISLD that will assist you with generating a media buzz. Please take advantage and download the available materials to contact local media (print/electronic) in your area. The Online Press Kit contains:
· An ISLD Proclamation,
· A Fact Sheet
· A Backgrounder
· A Media Alert
· Sample Public Service Announcements
· A Sample Press Release
· A Sample Letter to the Editor
Effective Tips for Communicating with the Media
The online press materials will enhance your public relations efforts. Meet with your marketing or PR department within your organization. Provide them with a list of good story ideas. Let them know what you do for the company and provide them with a list of top users that can speak to your effectiveness. Get in contact with the offices of your state and local government to proclaim an International Special Librarians Day.
Your next step will be to identify your local media. This may include local, daily, and weekly newspapers, trade/business publications, radio and television stations or related organizations with newsletters. Your main focus will be to target your story idea, article or release to a local issue or trend, such as industry or education. Next, develop a news angle that has an exciting impact. Most editors want something new and fresh. Try to grab the editor's attention by providing intriguing facts and figures or statements. Sometimes self generating stories make the best headlines. Match your story idea, article or release to the publication. For example, you wouldn't send a story idea about the founding fathers of the Internet to a trucking magazine. Get in contact with the appropriate editor or news manager, or place a call to the news desk. Sending an email or letter addressed to the local newspaper won't cut it. Identify guidelines and suggestions that will indicate the types of stories the editor is willing to publish. Lastly, be cognizant of editorial deadlines. You may have a great story idea, however if it doesn't make the production deadline, you may be out of luck.
ISLD Award
The ISLD Award recognizes the special efforts made by an SLA member(s) to promote and celebrate International Special Librarians Day 2002. Nominate your self, colleagues, or your library/information center for their promotional efforts in recognizing ISLD, The winners will be honored at the SLA Awards and Honors Premier during the SLA 93RD Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California, June 8-13, 2002. The deadline for the award is May 18, 2002. For more information on the ISLD Award please visit the ISLD section of Virtual SLA or contact SLA's PR office at 202-939-3633. International Special Librarians Day is generously sponsored by Factiva.
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