For immediate release | May 31, 2016

Learn how to bring Libraries Transform into your library during training session at ALA Annual Conference

CHICAGO — With its strong, clear and consistent messaging and versatile tools, the American Library Association’s Libraries Transform public awareness and advocacy campaign effectively conveys the transformative nature of today’s libraries and the critical role they play in the digital age.

Since its rollout in 2015, the list of libraries that have adopted the campaign has been steadily building, with more than 2,700 libraries joining the effort.

During the 2016 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, librarians will learn how they can implement the campaign at their libraries. From 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, June 25, in Room Salon 03/04 at the Rosen Centre, Marci Merola, director of the ALA’s office of library advocacy, and Jeff Julian, director of the ALA’s public awareness office, will moderate a panel discussion providing attendees with information and training about ways to incorporate Libraries Transform.

Panel participants will include:

· Doug Evans, executive director of the Ohio Library Council

· Diana Friend, communications and marketing director at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

· Hallie Rich, communications and external relations director at Cuyahoga County Public Library

· Amy Taylor, first vice president of the Missouri Association of School Librarians

“We are really excited about this session because attendees will get to hear from libraries that have used the campaign and had success,” Julian said. “This is advice and insights from the experts that will help you implement the campaign at your library.”

Panel members will share how they have integrated Libraries Transform messaging into their regular communication channels and leveraged the campaign in advocacy activities, such as legislative day. Other topics will include:

· Using the toolkit materials, including logos, because statements and graphics

· Customizing key messages from the campaign to appeal to the public and key stakeholders like local legislators

· Incorporating the campaign with your current brand

To add this session to your schedule or to learn about others, visit 2016.alaannual.org/.

For more information on Libraries Transform, visit www.ilovelibraries.org/librariestransform/.

This program is sponsored by the Public Awareness Committee and co-sponsored by the Committee on Library Advocacy and the Chapter Relations Committee.

Contact:

Jeff Julian

Director

American Library Association

Public Awareness Office

jjulian@ala.org

(312) 280-5042