Ask a Librarian banner with logo, Florida's Statewide Virtual Reference Service. Chat, Email, and Text.

Online Marketing Campaign

Feb 6, 2012 | , , ,

In late January, Ask a Librarian began a marketing campaign online through Google ads.  LURE Designs & Th!ink Creative Inc. have developed a media plan to run in two test markets for 30 days: Orlando & Jacksonville.
The media plan focuses on two main goals: creating awareness of the Ask A Librarian program and increasing usage of the Ask A Librarian service. Th!nk Creative selected media that would reach a broad audience at a cost effective price.

After reviewing the results from the test markets, we will share the complete report with participating libraries. With the keywords used in the ads, we hope to gain insight as to what users are looking for in Google, and how we can market the Ask a Librarian program to these new users.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Riggins at rigginsj@tblc.org

Calling all evening-shift library staff!

Jan 27, 2012 | , ,

TBLC Presents… 

 How to Deal with Angry Customers

(Yes, it’s an evening workshop!)

Thurs., Feb. 16, 2012   ~   7:30-8:15 pm ET

 

What is the secret to handling situations with difficult or angry customers while maintaining your composure and professionalism?
In this webinar, Andrew Sanderbeck of PCI Webinars/People Connect Institute will teach you a five-step approach to help you effectively diffuse and resolve these situations with less stress AND more confidence! 

Ask a Librarian Annual Report 2010-2011

Jan 26, 2012 |

Another exciting year has passed with Ask a Librarian. In October 2010, we launched the text messaging service. In 2011, we added threaded history to texts, began the statewide Spanish email service, and refreshed the logo and design. It has been an exciting year and we look forward to the new enhancements coming in 2012.
Thanks to all of you, Ask a Librarian is a success year after year! Your hard work never goes unnoticed!

Seeking Synchronicity Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference (OCLC research report webinar) and AaL facilitated discussion

Jan 20, 2012 | , ,

OCLC Research in partnership with Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey pulled over five years of virtual reference research into a summary with specific and actionable suggestions in Seeking Synchronicity: Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference.

Seeking Synchronicity: Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference

an OCLC research report webinar

DATE: January 31, 2012

TIME: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm  (EST)

LOCATION: OCLC’s Online Classroom

and

an Ask a Librarian facilitated conversation

DATE: February 1, 2012

TIME: 10:00 am – 11:00 am  (EST)

LOCATION: TBLC’s Online Classroom

On January 31, 2012 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (EST), co-authors Lynn Silipigni Connaway (OCLC Research) and Marie L Radford (Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey) will review the report’s findings and address topics such as:

·         The exaggerated death of ready reference
·         The importance of query clarification in Virtual Reference
·         Boosting accuracy and building better relationships in Virtual Reference
·         Learning from Virtual Reference transcripts
·         Convenience as a “hook” to draw users to Virtual Reference
·         Generational differences in how people perceive reference interactions and determine success
·         The need for more and improved marketing of Virtual Reference

For more information about the Seeking Synchronicity: Revelations and Recommendations for Virtual Reference report click here.

To register with OCLC for the January 31st webinar click here.

After this OCLC-sponsored webinar, participants are invited to return on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. when Ask-a-Librarian staff facilitates a continuing discussion among Florida librarians.  For more information about the discussion session and to register click here.