Transforming Our Image, Building Our Brand: The Education Advantage

by Valerie J Gross

While there is no question that what librarians and library professionals do is critically important, the ways in which these roles and responsibilities are described can mean the difference between being valued as essential to the community or considered optional. Something as simple as a choice of words can determine what is valueda and consequently what gets funded, and what gets canceled.--Transforming Our Image, Building Our The Education Advantage examines how the "Three Pillars" approach harnesses the power of language to enhance respect, generate increased perceived value, and garner funding. The power stems from positioning all that library professionals do under three, easy-to-remember "pillars," and replacing typical library terms and phrases with bold, value-enhanced terminology that commands valuea language that people outside of the field can immediately understand. This book is essential reading for public library staff members at all levels of the organization, especially those in leadership roles; and its root concepts are applicable for all other library types as well.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when public libraries are undervalued, this book can be a useful tool for library staff to use to examine the narrative they promote about the importance of libraries in our democracy.

[Adrienne Strock · Rating 1 out of 5]

One word review:
Nope!

Simplified reflection:
Why would we ever want to model ourselves after dated stuffy, broken, bureaucratic learning institutions when we have the opportunity to set ourselves apart as dynamic, choice-based informal learning and community centers?

[Brittnee · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are many things proposed in this book that I personally and professionally disagree with, but I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that those decisions were wrong for THAT library at THAT time. I'm not certain that these sorts of decisions are this cut and dry.

[Mark Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent way to think about marketing the library as a place for "self-directed education." Highly recommend.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas~I am going to try some of them to get more 'quality users' [not that I do not love the ones we already have!]