August 14, 2014

Question

Laura Stone (AZ)

A library director has asked me: “Where would outreach activities be recorded?  For example at the Farmer’s market we directly interacted with 28 persons answering questions about the library and its services.”

The definition for program includes programs “whether held on- or off-site, that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the library.” I’m sure the library is not sponsoring the Farmer’s Market – however, the library is sponsoring staff participation in the booth.

What do you think?

SDC Comments

Carole Suzui (HI)

The Hawaii State Public Library System has a booth at certain community events like the annual Book and Music Festival and the College and Career Fair.  The booth is manned by library staff from the different branches.  They distribute bookmarks, flyers, and give away book bags if people who stop by can show us their library card.  We promote the programs and services at the libraries.  We count these as outreach events.  We count the number of people who stop by our booth as attendance.