Breathe Life Into Your Data Webcast 

This is a 30 minute pre-recorded webcast. With our online anytime format, you will immediately receive the link to the webcast, password and the link to the webcast handout upon successful registration. You do not need any special software to view and listen, just a computer!  Since passwords are changed frequently, we suggest viewing the webcast as soon as possible after registering.

Description:

Telling your library story is more than just presenting statistics.  It is an opportunity to put a face to the numbers.  By using anecdotes, quotes, pictures and stories you have the chance to touch people and show the value of the library in memorable ways.

Ten Tips:

• Statistics need to be current, local, and verified independently.
• Statistics should not be more than 10% of a presentation.
• Verify the stories you use; did Lincoln really like e-books that much?
• Customize presentations to the audience’s point of view: their sales point, values, and interests.
• Recruit “salespeople” from different segments of the community; speak with someone from outside the library.
• Not every story works with every audience: be prepared.
• Use good photos of real library users to illustrate stories.
• Always have fresh success stories in your folder for media, visitors, and surprise presentations.
• Have different members of the staff present, not just the director and board members.
• Practice, practice, practice. Then practice some more – with feedback. 20 hours per one-hour presentation is what the pros do – minimally.

Outcomes

1. Collect compelling success stories from your library users to share with the greater community.
2. Use graphics to illustrate numbers in meetings and online.
3. Ensure all statistics are current and verified as correct.
4. Continually publicize new success stories in print, on line, and in person.
5. Engage civic groups in collecting and sharing library stories that provide concrete examples tied to data.

Presenter:

Pat Wagner has been a trainer, educator, and consultant for 40 years, having worked with clients in 48 states and Canada. She is a manager and producer at Pattern Research, Inc. Pat likes to find the essence in models of human behavior and organizational design and build effective and engaging formats for learning: face-to-face, in print, and online. She has been a poet, playwright, printer, publisher, and graphic designer, and loves books, gardens, and the arts.

Cost:

Each registration entitles the registrant only to access the webcast. Registrations may not be shared in any way or viewed in a group setting. You may not broadcast or redistribute in any way without prior approval from Mid-America Library Alliance. That includes, but is not limited to, displaying webcast via projector, large screen tv, or overhead projector.

• MALA Member: $15.00
• Non-Member: $30.00

MALA Webcast Billing/Refund/Credit Policy:  We prefer all webcasts to be prepaid.  If you prefer to be billed, there is a $5 charge for this service.