WebJunction

One of my favorite ways to brain storm about a new project is to make the flyer for the event.

I think about how long it will take me to get the project, in most cases a program for the public.

I put that date in. Dates are important , it can make or break how a program is received. Plant that date as soon as possible. Include the date as large as possible so it can be seen from a distance.

Next is the name of the program. I brainstorm about how to name it, keeping in mind that the name of the program is also going to affect how the program is received. Something catchy is nice for keeping that name in people's memory. Why do you think every department store have slogans for sales that are every two weeks? So they can make you think that they are offering something new.

"that book club for men"

This sounds a lot snappier than "Men's Book Club."

Then I think about some graphic, or photo to catch the eye as well. Do you think people will notice a book cover on a flyer when they are surrounded by thousands of books?

Most people get the idea that the event will be held in your library. But having a nice library logo somewhere on the page let people know that the program is put on by the library.



Putting something like "Ask at the circulation desk for more info on this and other programs" is a way to get patrons talking to librarians, and an opportunity for librarians to sell other programs to patrons.



Feedback.

Make sure to get feedback from co-workers and others about flyers.

How about another approach to getting creative. Just ran across Roy Tenant's posting. He thinks about creativity while expanding his tree house. You might wonder how creating a tree house relates to libraries. Wait for it... and check out his posting " The Joy of Creativity."