Graphic Designers for Libraries!

If you didn't know, some libraries now have graphic designers on staff! We establish and carryout the library's brand; design signage, flyers and displays; sometimes construct and maintain the library's website and whatever else creative that needs to be done!

Friday, November 5, I had the pleasure meeting Donna J., brand consultant for a public library in Texas. Our lunch meeting consist of buffalo wings (from Sweetwater Tavern, Detroit) and a hot topic discussion - 'HOW DO WE GET PATRONS BACK TO THE LIBRARY?' The world has quickly evolved to depend on technology as a resource for everyday functionality, so why are libraries still needed??? That's the million dollar question. . .

READING a good book with a paperback cover will never be outdated; seeking knowledge and credible resources cannot always be found on the internet; having social meetings while drinking coffee is more intimate in person then having a live video chat; and you can't rent your favorite CDs and DVDs for free with Netflix.

Adopting the culture of both bookstores and coffee (cafe) shops, libraries can have more to offer patrons then just a quiet place to read and study. (Why should you go to the library? - Donna explains.) The library is a place of opportunity to explore. . . Being the 'one stop shop':

• Have your business meeting in a study room (free of charge), while your children are being entertained with story time in the youth library
• Borrow the latest underground Neo Soul album for FREE
• Enjoy your favorite latte with a muffin while reading a good book

All of these ideas are just a few things that were discussed and can be accomplished with the help of graphic designers reestablishing the ideology of libraries. Taking the old concepts and making it original, libraries are redesigning their culture. Instead of having the stereotypical image of the librarian with the pinned up bun and cat eye glasses, displayed next to her a huge sign stating: NO talking, NO eating, NO drinking, there is a new marketing strategy: Enjoy a hot coffee in the Cafe while reading a new release book from our catalogue. (Think as an entrepreneur: always quality and consistency, give the best customer service and provide your patrons' wants and needs.)

When changing the culture for a business or creating one for the first time, branding and merchandising is needed. Branding and visual merchandising is a marketing tool used by retailers to get customers to buy and/or use their services; the same concept can be used in the libraries. This is where graphic designers are needed. We visually create the cohesive brand: websites, flyers, posters and signage. Graphic design doesn't consist of just talent, but a skill that is needed to compose effective work and bring patrons back to the library.