130 likes | 232 Views
Thinking outside the 9-5: Designing an event for Educators. Erin Zambataro, Senior Librarian—Children’s & Teen Services Caitie Morphew, Children’s Librarian Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Allegheny 412-237-1890. Why we needed to think outside the 9-5. High teacher turn-over
E N D
Thinking outside the 9-5:Designing an event for Educators Erin Zambataro, Senior Librarian—Children’s & Teen Services Caitie Morphew, Children’s Librarian Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Allegheny 412-237-1890
Why we needed to think outside the 9-5 • High teacher turn-over • Large service area • Different types of educators • Break through the email-brain-drain • Stand out from the every day • Engage on an individual level • Foster sharing and listening • Create buzz! Image courtesy of [stockimages] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Event Planning:First Steps • Develop goals • Design the event • Write and present a justification • Justifying the event vs goals • Communicate with administration and seek support • Anticipate and plan for barriers • Develop a timeline and budget • Secure funding
the Event Blueprint • Goals • Create a two-way dialog • Create connections • Increase visibility in the community • Showcase resources and services • Schedule outreach/programs • Sign educators up for Library cards • Impart our relevancy in the 21st century
the Event Blueprint • What would success look like? • Primary goal: target PPS • Attendance of at least 15 • Positive connections • Attendees learn something about the Library
the Event Blueprint “A private, invitation-only showcase of your neighborhood Library’s resources and programs” “You and a guest” • Staffing • Stations • Food • Wine • Raffle and gift bags
Promotion • Creating a guest list: formal and informal educators • School rosters • How many invitations? • Formal invitations • Follow-up • Postcards • Word of mouth • Email campaign • Confirmation email
Logistics • Budget • Invitations, graphics, reprints, station signage • Food, Wine • Giveaways • Staffing • After-hours security • Individual objectives for each guest • Enjoyable experience vs targeted outreach, etc
The Event • 21 RSVPs • 16 educators and 9 guests = 25 attendees
Evaluation: Outcomes • 4 teacher cards • 1 personal library card • Added outreach visits • to a previously unresponsive school • to a special needs classroom • Added weekly library visits/programs from • a 7th and 8th grade weekly summer camp • an afterschool group • Connected a teacher to materials/resources • Gave catalog instruction • Tour to new teachers • Added a series of art programs with a community partner
Evaluation: Post-Event Survey • Survey Monkey • Follow up • What was the most informative part of the evening? • “Information about the teen programs--the concept of the library as more of a social center for teens.” • “Learning about the various different educational programs available for both teens and children.” “I thought the event was wonderful and very informative.” -Ashley Dandridge, Gwen’s Girls “You and your colleagues hosted an event that presented the Library and yourselves in such a positive way; Bart and I enjoyed ourselves a lot. Thank you.” -Meda Rago, FACES: A Children’s Art Collaborative (via email)
Evaluation: Changes for Next Year • Food layout is important! • Send a save-the-date earlier • Don’t discount the lure of SWAG • Tie an incentive into the post-evaluation survey
Thank You! • Erin Zambataro, Senior Librarian--Children’s and Teen Services • zambataroe@carnegielibrary.org • Caitie, Children’s Librarian • morphewc@carnegielibrary.org