Visible Librarian » (1st Edition)

This guide for information professionals describes the use of marketing, customer service, and public relations tactics in the library environment. Based upon successful practices used in both corporate and public libraries, the text covers such topics as creating lasting customer relationships, pricing services, developing a publicity plan, and writing a press release. The author of a number of books and articles on librarianship, Siess conducts workshops for continuing professional education. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Library Journal

Siess, publisher of The One-Person Library newsletter and author of The SOLO Librarian's Sourcebook, among other titles, shares numerous practical strategies for librarians to connect with their customers and make their services visible and valuable to their community, by using proven marketing, customer service, and public relations tactics specifically tailored to the library environment. Siess summarizes her lengthy research into successful business marketing strategies and principles and directly relates these important concepts to today's challenging library world. With increasing numbers of libraries being closed or merged with other services and the continued reductions in library budgets, Siess provides tools for library leaders interested in maintaining their libraries as active, visible, and essential resources. Be forewarned that following these important suggestions will require a change in the outdated perception of library patrons as users of library services, to be replaced by the idea of a lively, vibrant commitment to selling library services to customers. Siess's title is essential for professional librarians wishing to lead their library into a successful future and should be required reading by all MLIS faculty and students.-Dale Farris, Groves, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.