Lorcan Dempsey’s article, “Libraries and the informational future: Some notes,” he states, “In summary, the library has to actively position itself to be in the flow of research, learning and civic engagement.” This is absolutely true! I cannot understand what purpose it would serve a library to not position itself as such…isn’t the point of the library to engage with its users? I think that this is only the first step though, being the prepared as “the flow” needs to be followed with promotion of yourself as “the flow.” Dempsey’s strategic perspective is spot on and any library would do well to take notice. Dempsey is correct when he states, “Above all it is important to understand that ends need to structure means, because, as the poet said, it must change. The library, after all, is a growing organism.” The library must either continue to evolve…ahead of the game…or find itself obsolete. It cannot remain static in a very dynamic environment. However, the strategic perspective must include promotion.
The idea of promotion may be a bit foreign in some library circles. Historically, the library has not needed to “promote” itself to any great extent because it was obviously the place to get information. In today’s world information is not so “contained” or at least not perceived to be. Younger people who are not shown the value of the library and information organization will increasingly turn to peers (think tags) and Google (think limited and one-dimensional) to acquire their information. This is destructive! The vast amount of information out there is not available free-floating and easily found with a simple search – it is found within the library whether that be physical items, archival items, digitized items or databases. These are available through the library system and are subject controlled and have depth thanks for information professionals. People need to know just how vibrant and necessary the library is!
I know recently in my county, the library system hired a marketing executive to work full-time in library promotion. I applaud that! Curious to know how others in the field are promoting? Any thoughts?
slismartin 
Right on the money!
I don’t work in a public library but in a scientific agency. It was/is surprising to say the least, when a scientist will approach me wondering if I can find an article, book, map, etc.. and mention they didn’t know that “we” (the library) existed for that purpose. To put this in perspective, the agency has not had a librarian in about 11 years.
The publicity blitz began by word of mouth and then with a brown bag presentation as a kind of introduction/overview. I also have been re-establishing a relationship with our central library and have put out feelers to universities with programs (Geodesy/Mathematics/Cartography) applicable to my agency for the purpose of establishing working relationships.
If anybody has any suggestions for other ways to promote I am all ears.