People's Network
Marketing and promotion
Introduction
The launch of the online Enquire, Discover and Read People’s Network services has given public libraries in England a huge opportunity to engage new and existing audiences with ICT, the internet and valuable public services which draw on the unique expertise, collections and resources of public libraries, museums, archives and elsewhere. This section gives you information and resources to help you to effectively promote PN services to people in your local communities and beyond.
National public library strategy
People’s Network services feature as part of the overall public library marketing campaign that is being developed through Framework for the Future(http://www.mla.gov.uk/action/framework/framework.asp).
Download or view the public library marketing strategy PowerPoint presentation
(PPT
version 485KB / HTML version).
PN marketing materials
MLA has produced a range of resources designed to help libraries to market People’s Network services locally from the 19 October onwards as a sustained campaign to get new and existing public library users to make the most of PN online services.
- a marketing guidance document (Word 915KB) providing a summary overview of the new services and helpful tips and suggestions so libraries can prepare for launch events and promotion of PN services longer term. It includes template invitations and a press release to announce the new services.
- information and advice for libraries holding Local Democracy Week (Word 1.1MB) events and activities, which coincide with the national PN launch.
- a promotional starter pack of printed display materials for every public library in England. Each starter packs contained:
- 1 x A3 poster for each PN service and the main PN brand (4 in total)
- 1 x A4 poster for each PN service and the main PN brand (4 in total)
- 2 x A5 posters for each PN service and the main PN brand (8 in total)
- 150 x People’s Network bookmarks
- 150 x Enquire bookmarks
- 150 x Discover bookmarks
- 150 x Read bookmarks
- 3 x A4 sticker sheets for applying to computer terminals and elsewhere to promote the People’s Network, Enquire, Discover and Read.
- a marketing toolkit comprised of a suite of PN branded artwork files and accompanying brand guidelines which equip libraries with information and tools to produce additional promotion materials locally.
PN marketing toolkit
- Introduction
- Using existing nationally branded template designs
- Tailoring blank template designs
- File formats
- Download the PN marketing toolkit
Introduction
Welcome to the PN marketing toolkit! The toolkit is a suite of digital assets carrying the PN brand along with guidelines explaining how to use these resources locally. It complements the Public Libraries Graphics System (PLGS) which is designed for promoting all public library services locally.
The toolkit has been produced on CD (which includes both the PN marketing toolkit and PLGS resources) and one copy has been issued to all library authorities in England in addition to being available from this web page.
There is a wide range of resources available for use in both print and web contexts. Web applications of the brand include web buttons and web banners. Print applications include poster, bookmark, mousemat and other merchandise designs for display purposes in libraries.
Libraries can either download existing nationally branded designs to supplement starter pack supplies, or where appropriate, adapt blank template designs to incorporate local content of their choice.
Using existing nationally branded template designs
To supplement materials provided in your promotional starter packs you may download a nationally branded template design for producing additional copies in-house or through local suppliers.
An advantage of using existing template designs is that you do not have to pay designers to adapt the artwork prior to production. It also helps to strengthen the national brand identity.
Tailoring blank template designs
Having blank template designs may be useful if you:
- want to promote specific local events or campaigns
- have other services you wish to promote alongside PN services
- wish to add local slogans, logos and endorsements of your own
Using the templates provided means you will pay designers far less to adapt what’s already there rather than creating a new design from scratch.
File formats
Files are provided in EPS or GIF formats. Web files are provided in GIF format and print files are provided in EPS format. EPS files have been created in colour and black and white versions.
To download and edit some of the files yourself, particularly EPS files, you will need access to and knowledge of image creation and editing software (such as Adobe Illustrator). If not, speak to colleagues in your corporate communications team for advice and assistance, or enlist the services of external design companies to do the work on your behalf.
When creating your own materials, you may not be able to open an EPS file, depending upon which software you use. You will, however, be able to import it into your layouts. If necessary, refer to your software instruction guide about importing images.
Download the PN marketing toolkit
The toolkit brand guidelines (PDF 1.1MB) explain the PN brand and how to use the resources in the toolkit. Please read these guidelines before you attempt to use any of the resources.
Toolkit files are split into folders for ease of use, and have been compressed as zip files to enable easy downloading. Refer to the guidelines for details about what each folder contains. If you are unable to unzip folders you can download freeware to enable you to do so. See the section on download formats for further information.