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5 months ago

Third Thurs Twitter Chat September 2017 - Partnering Outside the Box

Partnering Outside the Box with Amie Thomas of Brownsburg Public Library, Brownsburg, IN

  1. Partnering outside the box: 9/21, 2pm East, Third Thurs Twitter chat! Special guest Amie Thomas of Brownsburg Public Lib, IN #MCLSchat https://t.co/SkK9xjey2V
    Partnering outside the box: 9/21, 2pm East, Third Thurs Twitter chat! Special guest Amie Thomas of Brownsburg Public Lib, IN #MCLSchat pic.twitter.com/SkK9xjey2V
    MCLS@mclsorg
    ·
    5 months ago
  2. Wondering how to participate? Check out these tips. #mclschat https://t.co/giBWlnoYvc
    Wondering how to participate? Check out these tips. #mclschat pic.twitter.com/giBWlnoYvc
    Chrystal Babbitt@MsChrystalB
    ·
    5 months ago
  3. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    We’ll get started in a moment. Tell us who you are and where you are tweeting from. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  4. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    Pam from Lafayette, IN #mclschat
    5 months ago
  5. argyleavenger1
    Judi Terpening@argyleavenger1
    Judi from Jefferson County Public Library, Madison #mclschat
    5 months ago
  6. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    Connie from Indy #mclschat
    5 months ago
  7. Tweeting from the MCLS office in Michigan #mclschat pic.twitter.com/7mayQqtPGz
    Chrystal Babbitt@MsChrystalB
    ·
    5 months ago
  8. CliftonIndy
    Jen Clifton@CliftonIndy
    Hi! Jen from ISL in downtown Indy. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  9. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q1. Can you explain what "out of the box" partnerships mean? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  10. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A1. Moving beyond the donor plaque and opening the box to find new ways to generate more funding and engagement in your community. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  11. MsChrystalB
    Chrystal Babbitt@MsChrystalB
    A1 Partnering with those who you wouldn't consider normally. #mclschat  https://twitter.com/mclsorg/status/910926967234551808 …
    5 months ago
  12. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q2. How do you find possible partners? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  13. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A2. Most of ours have come from getting out into the community. Making face-to-face connections and brainstorming commonalities. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  14. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    I agree fact to face works so much better than electronic communication. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  15. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    face to fact :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  16. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @brudercl LOVE that! :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  17. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A2 Networking events in the community are a great way to find partners #mclschat
    5 months ago
  18. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A2. It's easy to read and forget an email. Face to face generates talking through ideas. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  19. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A2 Maybe follow up emails with a call or an invitation for a meeting #mclschat
    5 months ago
  20. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A2 Definitely! An email can be a nice intro, but whether it's fundraising or partnering, follow-up is crucial. We're all busy. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  21. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q3. Can you give us some examples of successful partnerships you've had?  #mclschat
    5 months ago
  22. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A3 Kindermusik offered music programs for families in our building. 1-stop shop and funds back in the library for other programs. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  23. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A3 We've also worked with a car dealer and nursing home for a different type of partnership. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  24. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    Local Parks & Rec department #mclschat
    5 months ago
  25. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @psallthestories Yes! Parks & Rec! :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  26. argyleavenger1
    Judi Terpening@argyleavenger1
    Can you elaborate on the car dealer and nursing home partnerships? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  27. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @argyleavenger1 In these cases both partners sponsored a specific collection area that tied-in well with their line of business. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  28. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A3 local civic organizations, Rotary, etc. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  29. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @argyleavenger1 In the car dealer scenario, they sponsored eAudio books which tied in with their cars being equipped with SYNC. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  30. argyleavenger1
    Judi Terpening@argyleavenger1
    @ammthoma @argyleavenger1 Great idea! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  31. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @argyleavenger1 Thanks! We kicked it off with bringing a Smart Car into the center of the library. ;) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  32. argyleavenger1
    Judi Terpening@argyleavenger1
    @ammthoma @argyleavenger1 Very cool #mclschat
    5 months ago
  33. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A3 It was a great visual way of sharing our partnership. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  34. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    RT @ammthoma: A3 It was a great visual way of sharing our partnership. That's a great idea, marketing on both sides. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  35. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q4. Once you have your partners, how do you cultivate the relationships? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  36. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4. We meet annually, invite them to our big events for exposure, and copious “thank yous” all year. Communication is key. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  37. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 One of those big events is coming up - Halloween Book Hop and we'll invite all partners to be there to share. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  38. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 We look for our big turnout events like Summer Reading Kickoff where they'll have a chance to talk to a lot of people! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  39. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    @ammthoma do you share info on the success of projects with them often? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  40. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 Probably not as often as we should, but we do try and inviting them to the large-scale events immerses them in it. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  41. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 We have done photo books in the past as well as partner/sponsor breakfasts for an opp to network and see the results. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  42. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    A4 @brudercl @ammthoma - face to face in action with having partners at events #mclschat
    5 months ago
  43. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A4 Can you talk more about the Halloween Book Hop? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  44. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 Sure! Partial credit to Plainfield PL; We invite our partners and local businesses in to give away goodies #mclschat
    5 months ago
  45. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 We also have themed spaces related to books. Amelia Bedelia...hey kids, come clean this space. ;) Seriously...fun activities. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  46. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 And candy too! Kids and families come in throughout the day in costume. Tons of fun all-around. And a win-win in marketing. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  47. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A4 This year my team is doing a Peter Pan room. We hope to make kids fly either through VR or drone footage. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  48. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q5. Can you give more information about the difference between formal and informal partnerships? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  49. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A5. Formal involve a signed agreement. Informal is more of a handshake. We begin informally as a trial to see how things go. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  50. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A5 Even with the formal, we're not ninja librarians. We're pretty laid back. Any issues are discussed at the annual meeting -- #mclschat
    5 months ago
  51. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A5 --unless urgent #mclschat
    5 months ago
  52. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    @ammthoma do you have more partnerships on a continual basis, or more that are 1 and done type thing? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  53. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @psallthestories We have a handful of ongoing, but we do have more than 2 dz. we work with during the summer months for the SRP. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  54. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q6. Can you tell us more about your partnerships with other public, school or academic libraries? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  55. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A6 We work with schools to offer book groups and talks. Public, we tend to work on the staff side with roundtables and promotion. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  56. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A6 Schools are tough because their schedules are snug and they're busy. We do a Roadshow with the schools every other year. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  57. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A6 We take breakfast goodies and the lure of READ posters and then sneak in services we offer to help them. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  58. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A6 working with academic, either librarians or profs, for forums on topics. poetry prof do a black out poetry slam #mclschat
    5 months ago
  59. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @psallthestories Love that idea! We haven't had a ton of interaction with academic, but we're close enough we could <hmmmm>. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  60. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    We sponsor a public history intern which has been a great partnership. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  61. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @brudercl That's a fantastic partnership -- win-win for both parties! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  62. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    Partnership challenge: Books & Brews is in town. Besides an onsite book group or trivia librarian, do you have other ideas? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  63. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    dress up as your favorite literary character #mclschat
    5 months ago
  64. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @brudercl Ooohh...I can see that! Kind of a literary flash mob! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  65. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    @ammthoma Poe Night at the pub! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  66. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @psallthestories I do love a good alliteration! :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  67. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q7. In your library, is 1 staff person responsible for building partnerships, or does everyone look for opportunities? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  68. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A7. We’re open to ideas from anyone on staff-we all make connections, but for the most part it's administration neg./seeking. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  69. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q8. Can you explain more about how partnerships can help fund collections? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  70. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A8. We try to find a tie-in and go from there. Assisted Living? Large Print. Car Dealership? eAudio. Makes PR a slam dunk. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  71. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A8 When you do the nontraditional partnerships with local biz, a natural tie-in helps. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  72. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A8 I had a local teacher sponsor a fall reading program in honor of her mother, a teacher, and sponsored pic books, early readers #mclschat
    5 months ago
  73. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @psallthestories A8 What a beautiful way to remember someone! We do birthday books and or memorial books as well. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  74. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q9. What are some challenges to partnerships? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  75. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A9. Communication is a big. Our time frame isn’t always theirs and that’s important. Outlining deadlines and needs is key. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  76. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A9. The toughest is probably in the PR realm. We like to advertise events and programs at least a month out for max exposure. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  77. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    A9 We're all busy, it's easy to let communication drop, but important! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  78. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A9. With some of the smaller startup businesses, that can be tough. They may have another job -- you have to get used to nudging. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  79. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q10. What's the best thing about partnering with others? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  80. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A10 Best thing has to be the way it supports your community and really adds breadth and diversity to what your library can offer. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  81. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A10 Contrary to rumors, we aren't ninjas so a martial arts class here is another offering and one we aren't qualified offer #mclschat
    5 months ago
  82. psallthestories
    Pam S@psallthestories
    A10 Lasting partnerships that help the community. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  83. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A10 Thinking about what your community wants, but you aren't able to offer on staff is a good place to start #mclschat
    5 months ago
  84. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q11. Can you tell us more about what works and what doesn't work when forming partnerships? #MCLSchat #mclschat
    5 months ago
  85. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A11. Align your strategy for your library. Ask ?’s and be clear. Show support and keep promises, but know it doesn’t always work. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  86. anneheathen
    neighborhood witch@anneheathen
    @ammthoma Q do you offer sponsorships for subject areas? how do you propose this type of partnership?#mclschat
    5 months ago
  87. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @anneheathen We typically pose this as an offering when we're approached by a potential partner. We ID the area and then tie-in. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  88. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @anneheathen It's not always a neat and tidy tie-in, but think about Little League team sponsors. Get the partner noticed with PR #mclschat
    5 months ago
  89. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @anneheathen With the assisted living, yes bookplates in LP, car dealership the eAudio pick was featured in our weekly eNews. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  90. anneheathen
    neighborhood witch@anneheathen
    @ammthoma awesome, thanks! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  91. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q12. Any final thoughts? #mclschat
    5 months ago
  92. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    A12. Be open. Brainstorm. Talk. You never know what amazing things you and your library can do when you open up the box. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  93. brudercl
    Connie Bruder@brudercl
    Thanks Amie #mclschat
    5 months ago
  94. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @brudercl You're welcome! Thanks for joining us. #mclschat
    5 months ago
  95. argyleavenger1
    Judi Terpening@argyleavenger1
    Thank you, Amie! Inspirational :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  96. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @argyleavenger1 -- YAY! That's what we're hoping for! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  97. Thank you @ammthoma for a great #mclschat pic.twitter.com/H43qJQndeD
    Chrystal Babbitt@MsChrystalB
    ·
    5 months ago
  98. ammthoma
    Amie Thomas@ammthoma
    @MsChrystalB @ammthoma Thank you! :) #mclschat
    5 months ago
  99. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    We are out of time! Thanks everyone! #mclschat
    5 months ago
  100. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    If you want to know more about Partnering Outside the Box, be sure to check out Amie’s workshop!  https://store.mcls.org/index.php/partnering-outside-the-box-91.html … #mclschat
    5 months ago
  101. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Whoops, sorry-got ahead of ourselves! October chat will be "Accessibility and barriers to library services" with Christina C. Wray #mclschat
    5 months ago