The Accidental Library Marketer

The Accidental Library Series

by Kathy Dempsey

The Accidental Library Marketer fills a need for library professionals and paraprofessionals who find themselves in an awkward position: They need to promote their libraries and services in the age of the internet, but they have never been taught how to do it effectively. This results-oriented A-to-Z guide by Kathy Dempsey longtime editor of the Marketing Library Services newsletter reveals the missing link between the everyday promotion librarians actually do and the real marketing that s guaranteed to assure funding, excite users, and build stronger community relationships. Combining real-life examples, expert advice, and checklists in a reader-friendly style, this is the complete how-to resource for successful library marketing and promotion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Business

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Genna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a must-read because it is sooo easy to read. Dempsey's writing voice is very practical, simple, and full of personality. I do think that the book could use some updates. And also the book cover has a poor design, which I only point out because the book covers graphic design and how bad librarians are at doing it. This cover needs to be a little snazzier, and there needs to be more social media content. But it's a great intro book for anyone who just needs the basics of marketing for libraries.

[Marcia Literati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy to read. Fairly comprehensive how-to geared specifically at libraries.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no easy answers when it comes to marketing library services, and Kathy Dempsey does not sugar coat this fact in her groundbreaking 2009 work The Accidental Library Marketer. Successful library marketing is an evidence-based process rooted in knowing the patron base, creating programs specifically tied to their needs, and then letting them know about those services in ways that are convenient for them in whichever manner they wish to be notified. Contrary to popular industry belief, library marketing is not just one person’s job; it is, in fact, a way of life for library staffs who desire to stay relevant to their publics. While the first few chapters can seem intimidating, especially to eager but inexperienced librarians picking up this book wishing to gain greater exposure for their beloved organizations, tangible bite-sized nuggets of wisdom start shining through via case studies involving actual libraries that have used these same approaches successfully. Dempsey’s tips for obtaining staff and administration buy-in as well as ways of implementing the cycle of marketing make this book a good buy.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew almost nothing about marketing, so this book was very informative. It comes at it from a library perspective, but also explains the basics of what marketing is in general (i.e., it's not just putting up posters, but learning about your target audience and how to reach them). I felt like there were a lot of things here that we could apply in the library where I work now.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently finding myself in the role of 'accidental library marketer,' I had pretty high hopes for this book. I was a bit disappointed to find that much of the information was not new to me since I work at a library that already has implemented many of Dempsey's suggestions. For librarians who find themselves needing to some marketing inspiration or how to, I'd certainly suggest this.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books for librarians or library students interested in marketing. Self-education can only take you so far when you don't know how to apply it to your industry.

Only drawback is that the book's dated at this point! Time for a online version or 2nd edition.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on library marketing out there geared to all audiences. Easy to understand but not simplistic. Uses real marketing theory and practice.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep coming back to this. Pick up every day for reinforcement--peace of mind--generate new ideas--get out of a rut...great tips and advice for any small co and/or non-profit.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little book which does exactly what it says, introduces the marketing process to someone who has never done marketing before in an easy to read format.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, a little repetitive but it had to be.

[Cameron Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

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