Libraries and the Internet Toolkit

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Educate! Inform! Promote!

Reach out to your community. Find creative ways to spread the word about library policies and programs to ensure a positive online experience.

• Seek opportunities to talk about your library's Internet use policy and computer/online resources. This may include speaking engagements with the PTA, your local school board, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce or other organizations. Provide handouts such as The Librarians Guide to Great Sites for Kids (formerly titled The Librarian's Guide to Cyberspace for Parents & Kids; telephone: 800-545-2433. ext. 5044/5041 or e-mail pio@ala.org for more information) brochure.
• Tie in Internet classes to "back-to-school" night, National Library Week, Teen Read Week or other promotions.
• Host an "open house" or other special demonstrations of your library's computer workstations and Web site to help users become more familiar with your online offerings.
• Create flyers or bookmarks with your library's Web address and computer training schedule. Make these available at the check-out desk and in locations outside the library. Work with schools to provide information to parents.
• Invite the mayor, state and federal legislators, journalists and other VIPs to tour the library and learn about your Internet policies and services. Provide a photo opportunity and encourage the newspaper to run the photo.
• Feature your Internet policy, classes and other online resources on your library's home page.
• Pitch feature or consumer stories to local media about what parents should know about the Internet and how librarians can help.
  

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This document was last updated December 1, 2003

Links to non-ALA sites have been provided because these sites may have information of interest. Neither the American Library Association nor the Office for Intellectual Freedom necessarily endorses the views expressed or the facts presented on these sites; and furthermore, ALA and OIF do not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on these sites.