[collaborative-vr] Virtual Reference Marketing Resources

Tue Sep 22 10:05:46 PDT 2020

Hi,

A very long time ago (2007?!), I did several presentations and also posted my slides about marketing VR via effective link/widget placement. It was basically following up on ideas I picked up from  a presentation at a Virtual Reference conference in San Francisco.

Anyway, the basic idea is that, while marketing via newsletters, social media, handouts, etc. can create “spikes,” effective placement to maximize visibility of the VR access point is actually more important than any other promotional strategy over the long term. For example, make sure your widget is clearly visible on every page—have it “slide” along the edge/bottom as you scroll, if possible. Make sure it’s visible from every catalog record (catalog record pages make for a high number of referrals to chat). You may even consider having a timed pop-up. Of course, in a cooperative/consortium environment, this means getting buy-in about placement from member institutions, as well.

Emphasize function (chat) over branding (Ask-A-Lib). Make sure your widget has 24/7 functionality, whether it’s a full back-up service,  or a way to drop a question for reply when the library is open.

Anyway, social media and marketing tools have evolved a lot since then, but I still think that making your VR service as visible as possible across all library service access points is the most important marketing step of them all.  And now I get off my soapbox.  😊

--Bill Pardue

Bill Pardue – Digital Services Librarian
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
847.506.2667 / bpardue at ahml.info<mailto:bpardue at ahml.info>
500 N. Dunton Avenue • Arlington Heights, IL 60004

From: collaborative-vr <collaborative-vr-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Tamara Ottum via collaborative-vr
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2020 2:54 PM
To: Peté, Sara <sara.pete at sos.wa.gov>; Collaborative Virtual Reference <collaborative-vr at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: Re: [collaborative-vr] Virtual Reference Marketing Resources

Hi Sara,
I need help in this area as well, and would love to hear what you find out!
-Tamara

Tamara Ottum
(she/her)
Answerland Coordinator
answerland.org<https://answerland.org/>
State Library of Oregon | Library Support & Development Services
tamara.ottum at state.or.us<mailto:tamara.ottum at state.or.us> | 503-378-6506<tel:%20(503)%20378-6506> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

From: collaborative-vr [mailto:collaborative-vr-bounces at omls.oregon.gov] On Behalf Of Peté, Sara
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2020 12:37 PM
To: Collaborative Virtual Reference <collaborative-vr at listsmart.osl.state.or.us<mailto:collaborative-vr at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>>
Subject: [collaborative-vr] Virtual Reference Marketing Resources

Hi Everybody,

Could you do me a favor and please email me any and all resources you have created or have found and recommend on the subject of marketing Virtual Reference services?

I’m looking for videos, LibGuides, PDFs, any format really…

I am particularly interested in these topics but will happily look at other recommended resources as well:

  *   Marketing statewide Ask A Librarian services (24/7 or not)
  *   Marketing guides for folks using LibAnswers/LibChat
     *   suggested best practices for chat widget set up, for example
     *   examples of libraries or consortiums doing a great job of this
  *   Social media campaign examples

I will certainly be happy to share what I get compiled.

Thank you!

Sara Peté | Community Outreach Librarian
Washington State Library | Office of the Secretary of State
6880 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, Washington
c: 360-480-1005
sara.pete at sos.wa.gov<mailto:sara.pete at sos.wa.gov>

~connecting Washington through the power of libraries~

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