Questions Needed

Have you encountered some tough questions while working in your library? Need suggestions on where to find an answer for a particular topic? We're looking for suggestions for new questions to answer!

Topics can be anything -- programming tips to technology help to great Web sites. We want to answer your questions!

Please post your questions in the comments or email them to rimmich@prattlibrary.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!

What are your top ten tips for putting together great adult programs?

1. Know your community.  You want to make sure that the program is relevant and is something that the community is interested in and wants.  Community demographics are a great way to start finding out who your customers are but also look at who’s coming into the library and what they are asking for.  Another way to find out about your customers is to conduct a survey.
   
   
2. Know the goal of the program.  Will you be focusing on highlighting library resources, disseminating information, providing entertainment or maybe all of the above!
   
   
3. Publicize, publicize, publicize.  You could have the best program ever, but if people don’t know about it they won’t come.  Send out press releases to the local media, be sure it’s included in your library newsletter, hang flyers in the library and around your community.  Make sure that local community groups and businesses know about your event and have flyers to post.
   
   
4. If you have a budget for programming, great! Consider spending it on refreshments, speaker fees or paid publicity.  A great program is not dependent on having money though.  Think creatively – try to get donations from the community!
   
   
5. Will you be using AV equipment such as a laptop/projector or a microphone?  Make sure you’re comfortable using it or know who to call if you run into problems.  If you’re able – it’s helpful to test out the equipment before the program to make sure it actually does work.
   
   
6. Participant introductions are very helpful and help to make everyone feel more comfortable in the room.  Ice breakers can also be fun, even for adults.
   
   
7. Encourage participation.  Adults don’t always want to be lectured to and often times the participants have valuable information to add.  Tossing a small piece of chocolate to participant when they ask a question is a great and inexpensive way to get people involved.
   
   
8. Refreshments are not expected but are a nice way to make people feel more comfortable.  You don’t need anything elaborate, water and coffee will work just fine.
   
   
9. It’s ok to say, “I don’t know” when asked a question just be sure to follow up with “but I’ll be sure to find out and get back to you.”  We can’t be expected to know everything!
   
   
10. Lastly, have fun!!