Clear and to the Point: The Importance of Using Plain Language in Your Communications

How often are your communications missing their mark? Probably more often than you think, especially if you work with adults who are English learners, or who struggle with low literacy (more of the population than many know). In this session, we'll talk about word choices, layout, use of visuals, and more, that will help you communicate more clearly and effectively with those you're trying to reach. This webinar is presented by Kathryn Bauchelle, Program Director, Literacy Advance of Houston.

Original air date: January 28, 2016
Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

How to Write Effective Survey Questions to Get Useful Data
[Please note that this webinar is limited to Texas library staff.]

Is your library planning for upcoming services, programs, or events? They'll be more successful if you know what sorts of things the people in your service area truly want and need. Great marketers and planners don’t guess what people want, and they don’t presume to already know. They ask!

Still, doing a “simple survey” isn’t all that simple. If you don’t know exactly how to write and ask the questions, you may find out later that you didn’t get any actionable data. Marketer and wordsmith Kathy Dempsey can prepare you to avoid survey pitfalls. Sign up for this webinar so you’ll understand the basics.

This webinar will also touch on how to distribute surveys to get good response rates.

Original air date: August 23, 2018
Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1 CE hour

Responding To Challenges -- Ensure Your Library Is Prepared
Has a book been challenged in your library? How should your library respond if someone challenges one of your books on social media? This 1.5 hour webinar will leave you better prepared to respond to challenges. We'll explore policies that can protect the library, and hear from libraries that have had materials challenged recently.

Original air date: February 2, 2016
Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1.5 CE hours (CPE eligible for Texas educators)

The Accidental Library Marketer
If you find yourself doing PR, promotion, or marketing as part of your job, but you never formally learned how, then you’re an “accidental marketer” -- and you're not alone! Hear the basic tenets you never had a chance to learn as well as advanced tactics. Get the real reasons why many patrons don’t attend programs and why the media doesn’t always cover your events. Learn what “true marketing” is and why it can make your hard work pay off more often. This webinar is presented by the author of the book, The Accidental Library Marketer, author/trainer/consultant, Kathy Dempsey.

Original air date: February 21, 2012
Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1 CE hour
Writing Good Press Releases and Working with the Media
Learn the art of writing press releases and communicating with the media with author/consultant, Kathy Dempsey, the woman who literally wrote the book on this topic! Kathy’s book, The Accidental Library Marketer, is widely consulted by librarians that suddenly find themselves chief marketer for their organization. She’ll provide both good and bad examples of press releases and show how facts can easily be compiled to form a good press release. Kathy will also review common mistakes librarians make when working with the media. Lots more advice on managing those sticky calls from the media, so don’t miss this one!

Original air date: February 28, 2012
Last reviewed: September 2, 2022

1 CE hour