Library Outreach Toolkit: Getting Started

• USU Libraries Outreach Mission/Vision 
• Tie to student lifecycle 
• Types of Outreach 
• Current Outreach Initiatives 
• Current University Outreach Opportunities 

Step by Step 

1. Collaborating with Campus Partners 

• Don’t develop outreach in a vacuum; consider campus partners

• You don't need to have everything planned out before meeting with partners; plan with your collaborators!

2. Consider your audience

• Identify your target audiences (chart in progress)
• Consider tying to Student Lifecycle (graphic)

3. Develop outreach goals & outcomes 

• Connection to library & university goals: How is my event/outreach connecting to larger strategic goals?

  • USU Pillars

  • Library Mission & Initiatives 

• Outreach Outcomes Formula [Target Group] will [Action Verb] [Object/Goal], [Resulting Benefit]. 

  Using this formula, you can create statements such as: 

  • New USU students will become more comfortable navigating the library building and feel that it is truly a space for them, increasing their engagement with library resources. 

  • New USU students will have fun in the library, fostering a positive association with learning and research. 

  • High school educators will engage with USU Libraries as a trusted partner, securing resources for P-12 students and the community, strengthening community ties.

4. Decide on format 

• If you have flexibility, consider the following formats:

  • Tabling, presentation, workshop, large-scale event, social media campaign, print materials, pop-up gallery exhibit, etc (graphic in progress)

  • Not everything has to be an "event"

5. Overview & Budget

• Consider using our simple Outreach Proposal Template to propose your event or outreach initiative, which combines all of these categories in one place for you.
• Institutional Support

  • Buy-in

  • Funding sources (Consider Friends of the Library, campus collaborators, Library Exec outreach proposal)

6. Logistical planning 

• Consider needs such as:

  • Staffing 

  • Technology

  • Risk management

• Publicity Requests

  • Marketing Timeline (in progress)

  • Graphic Design Timeline (in progress)

  • Photography

  • Swag or other incentives

• Spaces 

  • Across Campus

  • Library Events Calendar (confirm that other events aren't happing simultaneously)

  • Schedule library rooms using the Library Room Reservation system

• Food 

  • USU Catering

  • Local restaurants

7. Assessment & Sharing 

• Submit your event/outreach request using the Library's Outreach Form
• Don't forget to submit your assessment of the event/outreach using the Library's Outreach Assessment Form