We’re only days away from the beginning of Snapshot Virginia 2012, and though you have the entire month of April to take your Snapshot, many of you have already picked your day and started advertising.
Remember, once you have chosen your Snapshot Day, the first step is to send out press releases and distribute posters and flyers. The press release template and customizable posters and flyers are available at http://snapshotvirginia.org/ under “Participate”.
To make your Snapshot Day run smoothly, print out Statistics Worksheets for all public desks to easily track patron activity. Make sure to distribute forms to every branch in your system–the strength of our advocacy depends on full representation. After your Snapshot Day, total up your statistics. While it’s preferable to submit stats as an entire library system, individual branches can certainly participate.
* Just today, a forms enabled version of the Statistics Worksheet has been added. If you prefer, staff can record their stats on their computers, with totals automatically generated, and save a tree or two. If you have any questions about distributing or using PDF forms, please let me know.
Patron Comment forms should be placed around your public areas. They can also be offered after circulation and reference transactions, particularly to patrons who seem enthusiastic about the service they have received. You can explain to patrons that our purpose is to capture the impact that Virginia libraries have on their communities on a typical day. Their comments may be used to advocate for libraries. If patrons ask, their names will only be published as “first name, last initial”, even if they include their full names or contact information on the form.
Check that you’re ready to be photographed–do your public areas look neat and welcoming? Are your displays fully stocked? When taking photos, look for iconic images that illustrate why your library is great. Show patrons browsing your collection, using your computers, and getting friendly service from your staff. Get in close to the action to best capture those friendly faces. While most patrons will happily agree to be photographed for library publicity, if you wish to use a formal release, a sample is available for you at http://snapshotvirginia.org/.
With your support, we will give legislators and budgetary decision-makers a true picture of the service we provide all over the Commonwealth every day. Thank you for participating.
Sean Bonney
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
sbonney@crrl.org
http://snapshotvirginia.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Snapshot-Virginia/200209623333477
https://twitter.com/snapshotva