FWD: [Publib] free material/give-aways/swag for libraries

[Sue Bowser]

Hillary,

I think the term you're searching for is promotional.  Karen's SWAG is, however, a much cooler term.  Kinda makes me think of something Captain Jack Sparrow would be hoarding.


---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "Theyer, Hillary" <HTheyer at TORRNET.COM>
Date:  Fri, 11 Aug 2006 09:49:37 -0700

Hello PubLib,

 

I'm stuck on a question my librarian skills should be able to answer.  I am
writing a proposal to fund some free goodies to hand out when we do
outreach.  You know, the printed pencils, plastic bags, post-its, rulers etc
that say something cute and have our library name on it.  I still have
Karen's way cool carabineer flashlight, and Infopeople's document holder,
mugs from LII, my ruler from the Romance folks, mousepads, jar openers,
buttons, etc.  I am seeking some research on how these draw people to your
booth, make you stand out, what taking home a concrete reminder of your
services does for repeat business, etc.  I can take from the business world
or public service.  I just need something that says people do this at
conventions for a reason.

 

I'm stuck on what you call that stuff.  I know Karen calls it SWAG, and that
brings up keyword articles in EBSCO on celebrity swag bags, with no related
subject heading in the citation.  The closest subject heading is "free
material" but that is mostly software, or articles warning people away from
scams.  Does anyone know of any articles, studies, or other information on
why you should spend money up front on things like this?  Or, does anyone
know a better term for what this stuff is called so I can search more
databases?  (Sanford Berman, we need you!)

 

Thanks,

Hillary Theyer

Torrance Library (CA)





--
Sue Bowser
Manager, Adult Services
Lancaster Public Library
125 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 394-2651 x117
Fax (717) 394-3083
sbowser at lancaster.lib.pa.us
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