Communications Committee Minutes April 17, 2008

Members Present: Paula Covington, Angela Craddock, Sue Erickson, Robyn Harris, Henry Shipman, Suellen Stringer-Hye, Celia Walker, Ava Wilson

Marketing Plan/Update and Demo on Posters Presentation: Suellen presented a slide show on the “Be Brilliant!” posters. It was suggested to the group that the tree graphic be added to the posters as a watermark. Suellen and other members of the committee met with the Strategy & Planning Council to present the posters and to discuss the costs of distributing posters on campus. The Council gave the green light to proceed with printing. It is our goal to have the posters on display in specific locations in late spring.

Possible Enhancements to the Library News Online Blog and Ticker: Suellen pointed out that the group would like to have it where the library news online is updated and consolidated. If we take the current look and feel, and add enhancements, there will be a new layout. This will lead to the following:

• The more different identities there are the less unique identity it is – consolidate to match existing web pages
• Establish an inner identity
• Easily maintained
• Better to assemble everything into one – use it as a generator for the ticker

List of Accomplishments for Annual Review:

• Images of the products
• Nametags at the Central Library
• Products: Buttons, Pens, Book Bags with new VU logo
• Implemented the Library’s first marketing campaign, “Be Brilliant!”
• Implemented the Library News Online
• Maintained web ticker, staff news
• Promoted Discover Library
• Worked with Creative Services to create new signature on web pages
• Created web ticker schedule

List of Goals for Annual Review;

• Review the way we do new titles and maps
• Support new Marketing and service
• Adding pictures to the database

Suellen liked the idea of one person consolidating everything so that the group will not spend a lot of time on the annual report – Utilize the Wiki as a collaborative tool.

Input on Communication issues within the library: Several library staff members recommended the following improvements to the committee with regard to the Staff News and communications in general.

• Committee Agendas--all committees submit agendas consistently to the Staff news.
• Committee Minutes submit two to three bullets of meeting highlights or conclusions in the staff email links.
• Staff news email needs to be made more attractive and readable.
• A staff directory with pictures of staff in the staff directory (for internal access only) would be helpful in improving communication and becoming familiar with counterparts in other libraries.