With my interest in youth services at public libraries, I set out to find a library that marketed its services and website not only to adults but to a younger demographic as well. The library that I found that meets my criteria is The West Bloomfield Township Library. It has received numerous awards for contributions to its community and was ranked high on Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings Index of top public libraries. Located outside of Detroit, Michigan, it is a wonderful example of a library that has used the four major steps of the marketing process mentioned in Christie Koontz’s article, Managing Communications, Marketing and Outreach, to better serve the youth in the communities of West Bloomfield Township, as well as the cities …show more content…
In this suburban area, their marketing strategy is geared toward a more tech savvy family. The library offers an e-newsletter and options to retrieve information through social media communication such as Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. The website displays these social media buttons as well as a contact button on all the library webpages. The contact button includes library phone numbers, live chat, text messaging and email options.TEACHERBUZZ.png “Promotional tools are used to make targeted customers aware of opportunities and persuade them to access or consume products or services (Koontz, 2015). WB Buzz has some excellent promotional strategies that may bring more children to the library. On such strategy is a link that is provided for teachers to submit information about an upcoming research assignment. This allows the library have the necessary materials ready for students, making their visit more productive and hopefully encourage them to return. The library also offers interesting programs including a “Read to a Dog” program, an art program, and, in conjunction with the West Bloomfield School District Media Centers, participates in The Pine Tree Reading Program. These various strategies are marketing gems to bring the reluctant reader to the