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Library Outreach Toolkit: Getting Started

USU Libraries Outreach Program

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

How to Create Your Own USU Libraries Outreach Initiative

Step by Step 

  1. Setup mtgs with Campus Partners 

  • Don’t develop outreach in a vacuum, talk to those this initiative would be for 

  • Timing

    • Schedule early meetings to build relationships

    • You don't need to have everything planned out before meeting with partners

    • Plan with your collaborators!

  1. Why 

  • Identify your audience

    • Who are our target audiences & why are they all important? (chart in progress)

  • Goals

    • Tie to Student Lifecycle (graphic)

    • Develop outreach goals & outcomes 

    • Outreach Outcomes Formula 

      [Target Group] will [Action Verb] [Object/Goal], [Resulting Benefit]. 

      Using this formula, you can create statements like: 

      • 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. 

    • Remember to tailor each statement to the specific goals and outcomes of your outreach program. 

    • Connection to library & university goals

      • How is my event/outreach connecting to larger strategic goals?

        • USU Pillars

        • Library Mission & Initiatives 

  1. Decide on format 

  • Often you don't have flexibility to choose the format & instead have to fit the format requested by your collaborators. If you do, 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

  1. 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 (Consider Friends of the Library, campus collaborators, Library Exec outreach proposal)

5. Logistical planning 

  • Personnel needs
    • Staffing 

    • Technology

    • Risk management

  • Publicity Requests

    • Marketing Timeline (in progress)

    • Graphic Design Timeline (in progress)

    • Photography

    • Swag

  • 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

6. Assessment & Sharing 

Suggestions?

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