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Trustee Manual
Community Relations : Marketing the Library
How to Talk about the Library
Page last modified date: 11/28/2012
Speak to your listener's interests, not your own. For example, if you are speaking to someone who loves to hunt and fish, it doesn't do much good to talk about the library's collection of craft books.
Don't give out false information. Be sure of your facts. If you don't know the answer to a question, tell the person that you'll find out and get back to them.
Don't make assumptions about what your listener knows. Don't use library jargon.
Make sure you listen as well as talk.
Be positive about the library. If you disagree with something that is happening at the library, talk to other trustees or the library director. Being negative about the library gives a poor impression of the Board, the library and the trustee.
To be effective in this role, trustees need to be very familiar with the library collection and services, attend continuing education programs and visit other libraries. In addition, the trustee should know the community, participate in civic activities, and serve on local committees to gain insight into the needs of people in the community.