It’s Easy at the ATLMC! is the message that kicked off the 2007-08 school year at the Addison Trail High School Library Media Center. Caryn Scimeca, a library media center assistant, collaborated on a team marketing project to build awareness of the ATLMC’s services and to introduce new programs to staff and students.
Devising a Buzz Marketing plan was a lengthy, but fun process, notes Scimeca. It entailed numerous planning meetings and brainstorming sessions that were well received by staff members.
The project included:
- Hosting core department staff meetings, showcasing resources and integrating training on Information Literacy
- Distributing brochures explaining services along with specialized booklists and promotional pens with the inscription, It’s Easy at the ATLMC, given to all faculty and staff members
- The introduction of One Book, One Staff, a program that provided a copy of Ron Suskind’s best selling book, A Hope in the Unseen, to all staff members. Everyone was encouraged to pass the books on to a student, providing the opportunity for a mentor/mentee relationship between staff and students. Everyone was encouraged to meet the book’s protagonist, Cedric Jennings.
- Teen Read Week contests and a Banned Book Challenge
To keep the buzz going, staff continue to wear their It’s Easy at the ATLMC T-shirts. ATLMC Director, Dr. Elaine Buch said, “We make it easy for students and staff to see the school library as a support center for academic needs. Personalizing the resources and services for student needs provides a real link between the school library and student achievement. That is why we are here and why we can make a difference!”
The ATLMC continues to build upon the word of mouth marketing efforts, particularly with personal contact with staff members and faculty. For more information, contact Caryn Scimeca at 630/458-4260 or cscimeca@dupage88.net.
Original article from November/December DLS Newsletter