Marketing Your Library’s Online Resources - HOW TO BUILD AWARENESS AND INCREASE USAGE OF YOUR LIBRARY’S ONLINE ASSETS

Assemble focus groups of patrons and potential patrons to discuss the library’s Web gateway. Since information searching can vary widely, you’ll want to schedule targeted focus groups based on market segment (e.g. parents with young children, young adults, seniors, etc.). Send invitations and follow up by phone until you’ve confirmed at least a dozen people. Have your discussion questions ready (broad, open-ended questions such as “What kinds of questions do you use the Internet to answer?”) and be prepared to demonstrate the gateway and its resources. Encourage honest feedback and take notes. Keep your eyes open for particularly insightful guests. Note that “insight” is different from “talkative.” Draw out those whose comments ring true or,...