AUTHOR: Mark R. Gould (ed.)
STARTED: December 1, 2010
FINISHED: December 17, 2010
PAGES: 113
GENRE: Library Science
FIRST SENTENCE: [From the Introduction] Forward-thinking communicators have a lot on their minds these days.
SUMMARY: [From Amazon.com
] Edited by ALA’s director of the Public Information Office, these 14 chapters provide ideas and inspiration from talented communicators on subjects both traditional (op-eds, reports, public service announcements) and technological (podcasts, gaming, RSS feeds). In addition to familiar topics, such as branding, there are chapters on values-based approaches, building partnerships, and more. Tips, examples, and illustrations help enliven the discussions. Capturing the experience of seasoned PR experts who are familiar with or active in libraries, the book is easy to read and very positive. It will help the reader to take maximum advantage of technology while honing traditional communication skills. The chapters on effective multicultural communications and affordable podcasts in particular should be useful. THOUGHTS: I really need to find a way to work more library PR, outreach, and advocacy into my current job. This is a great book for librarians seeking ideas and guidance regarding library PR. Public relations is a complex and ongoing activity. Gould has collected a great series of essays that serve to teach the reader basic PR skills as well as give them real world examples of how libraries have successfully employed PR.
My main gripe with this book was the organization; it made no sense – at least to me. I think the “entry level” PR lessons should have been placed in the front with the more advanced and/or detailed real world stories coming later. Instead, what I thought were the two most valuable essays ("Building Public Will for Libraries" and "Building a Community"), bookended the rest of the content.
Organization aside, The Library PR Handbook does a great job of making the reader excited about doing PR, trying some events, and making stronger steps toward outreach.
RATING: 6/10 [Good]
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