HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Library Board of Trustees - 09/20/2022 - Advocacy SBPL Board Advocacy Committee Regular Meeting Approved Minutes Tuesday, September 20, 2022 – 6:00pm
Virtual and SB Public Library in the Boardroom Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82659685305?pwd=VWVzWWdwa WlJTExadm5GTHZxRmcwZz09 Meeting ID: 826 5968 5305 Passcode: 295725 One tap mobile + +13017158592
6:07 p.m. Call to Order, Holly volunteered to take notes
6:10 p.m. Penne requests to move “Amplification opportunities & channels” item to the beginning of the meeting
6:11 p.m. Comments and questions from the public not related to items on the agenda? None
6:13 p.m. Amplification opportunities & channels:
∙ Social media Rebecca and Holly reached out to Kathryn (circ librarian who runs Facebook account) to request a meeting to talk about social media, and need to circle back. Discussion of reviving teen Instagram – awaiting hiring of teen specialist librarian.
The Drag Queen Storytime post on Facebook has seen more engagement than most. Penne asks if the library has a goal of metrics for followers/likes on social media. Jennifer says no, though Facebook continues to grow (~3000 followers, MailChimp email platform reaches ~1400 followers, Instagram has 764 followers).
Rebecca asks what other local libraries are doing for social media. This kind of learning could come from networking/conferences, or just googling. Stacey adds that we could reach out to other trustees or libraries or googling to figure out where we are. Jennifer noted that the library is interested in marketing ideas and platforms. Like or follow other library accounts to see what they’re doing (e.g., FFL, Essex, Williston).
Penne gets a newsletter for the library in MA. If you have friends who live in a city with a great library, see what they’re doing.
Holly suggests Bookface Friday/Monday to engage followers. Stacey suggests that the trustees could participate in this to create inventory so it’s not all on staff.
Rebecca assigns trustees to each choose a library or two and their corresponding social account and bring some ideas to the next meeting. Jennifer overviews some upcoming fall programming: ● Excel classes
● But Why? podcast hosts (Nov 5)
● Fire Safety
Rebecca noted that hopefully the library will soon be back to capacity and able to look at the strategic plan and then Advocacy can review and see what we can amplify (e.g., DEI). Jennifer shared that she sometimes gets stuff from ALA, etc. about a national thing that’s going on (e.g., talk to your Senator about...). We haven’t done much with these or shared them with the public/board, but this committee could be involved with that going forward. Example: Budgetary issues, such as presidents not funding libraries and museums adequately. Rebecca: Keep an eye on social media metrics. Test and learn to see what boosts engagement (e.g., paying for a $10 Facebook ad for But Why? Event through Foundation).
Discussion of SoBu News (several library events in this week’s edition) and SBVT Community Watch Facebook group. People are using these mediums and the committee should continue to find ways to add content. Lee: Everyone should star/review the library on google to increase visibility. Stacey: Lee’s videos are really helpful. Would be great to incorporate those as we decide which big things to promote.
Jennifer: Can reuse some of Lee’s previous videos. They’re on the library's YouTube.
Lee reminds us to like and share videos to amplify. Lee also reminded the group to provide content to The Other Paper.
6:45 p.m. Discussion of committee charge
Stacey: This committee’s blurb needs to be updated and voted upon by the board.
Current charge: This committee will be responsible for the promotion of the South
Burlington Public Library through print, social media and personal
outreach. The committee will also be tasked with coordination of the
efforts of the Foundation Volunteer Committee to ensure that the messages
put forth to the community are aligned. The standing committee will be an internal group with a minimum of three members plus the Library Director, and will meet as needed. Discussion around charge: Jennifer: Currently, it sounds like the committee is thinking more about digital marketing and social media than tabling.
Stacey: Used to table around ASPIRE campaign and new library vote. Might not be relevant anymore. Didn’t get a lot of traffic.
Holly asks about an unstaffed table in the University Mall currently being used for bridge vote. Can we have a table like that in the mall? (e.g. advertising But Why?) Rebecca: Consider places in communities like pediatricians’ offices where we can market the library. Called about the bus route last week.
Jennifer: Can send editorials but they get to choose what goes in. Sent The Other Paper article about Drag Queen Storytime and it didn’t go in. Press releases are different. Come from Jennifer or guest speaker – better luck with the guest who sends it. Don’t do press releases for everything. Discussion of whether to keep clauses about ALA and national issues and how often to review the charge (Stacey suggests annually).
7:00 p.m. Discussion of future meeting schedule and timing for various members.
Jennifer: Would like meetings scheduled in advance as a standard meeting pattern, if possible. Would like the chair to feel comfortable canceling meeting if we have nothing to work on.
7:03 p.m. Adjourn