[Publib] Educating An Alabama Radio Talk Show Host

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

 

I don't think that you can control criticism or expect everyone to be fair
with libraries.

The reason why people have those shows is to get attention and to make money
by

being controversial.  It sells advertising.

 

I think that most library users would passionately disagree with what the
radio show

host was saying.  Why not take the energy being spent on making those
comments

and use it to give more attention to the library services?  Have people call
in to the

radio who are passionate about libraries and who can go toe-to-toe with the
host.

 

It will get people thinking about the value of libraries and why they value
them. It

becomes free advertising.  

 

In the library profession, I think we have a disproportionate number of
people who

are terrified of public speaking.  So, for many folks who feel passionate
about 

services, the idea of taking on a shock jock would be unthinkable.  You can

overcome those fears.  You can speak out.  It just takes training and 

stage time in a supportive environment.

 

Toastmasters, <http://www.toastmasters.org/>  International is a very low
cost and effective method for developing

presentation and speech skills in a very positive and supportive
environment. You

can easily invite a club or start up a club to meet in your library.  There
are

innumerable benefits to be had for staff development, customer service, and

advocacy.  You will also have people who will be able to speak out and
support

your services.

 

*************************************************

Robert L. Balliot

Vice President for Public Relations/ Island Foghorns Toastmasters

1-401-441-5763

Skype: RBalliot

Bristol, Rhode Island

http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm

*************************************************

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Dale McNeill
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 6:42 AM
Cc: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Educating An Alabama Radio Talk Show Host

 

At my FPOW, we would generally offer such a station or person a
library-related story: interview with a 90 year old man who learned to read
at the library, chat with investment club meeting at the library, be one of
the hosts of the summer reading club party (which was at the City Zoo and
involved thousands of children, parents, the mayor, great prizes, and just a
lot of fun), that sort of thing. 

Radio, television, newspapers, media in general mostly needs relationships
and requires us (librarians) to think of them as people with jobs who can
use library services.  In the city I'm talking about, there are stories
about the library in local media at least monthly, often more.  The same
organizations are also much more likely to donate air or print time if their
reporters have real relationships with the library. 

None of that will affect a thing if there is a great (from the reporter's
point of view) negative story about the library.  It will still run.  But
someone may call the library to get a bit more information.  And for sure,
the reporter will be more likely to be receptive to a follow-up story. 

That's a long way from the original post!

Cheers,

Dale



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