FOLIO: Facilitated Online Learning as an Interactive Opportunity

Promoting and Marketing Library and Information Services (ProMISe)

What is ProMISe?

ProMISe is an online interactive course about promoting and marketing library and information services delivered by e-mail and Web pages funded by the National Library for Health. Anthea Sutton, an Information Specialist at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, is the Facilitator for this course. Course design and materials have been developed by a course team comprising: Andrew Booth, Anthea Sutton, Anna Cantrell, Diana Papaioannou, Lynda Ayiku (since left ScHARR), and Alan O'Rourke (since left the FOLIO Programme). Helen Baker (since left ScHARR) and Fran Wilkie (National Library for Health) contributed to some of the materials from the original version of this course (run in 2006).  Sheila Webber (Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield) advised the FOLIO Team regarding the course structure.

The ProMISe course was originally run in 2006 as part of a series of courses commissioned by the NLH. The original materials have been updated for this re-run of the course.

Why is it important?

Health librarians often find it difficult to make time to attend workshops and other continuing professional development events. At the same time developments in professional practice make it essential to keep up-to-date and acquire additional skills. Such a situation is recognised by wider UK developments in networked learning. The FOLIO Programme aims to provide easy access to learning materials with the convenience of flexible timing and learning styles.

What is the course aim?

The ProMISe course aims to help participants gain an understanding and appreciation for the value and importance of marketing and promotion in any type of library or information service.

What are the course objectives?

• By the end of the ProMISe course participants will be able to:
• Understand the process of marketing as it specifically relates to library and information services.

   

• Identify considerations when selecting specific marketing or promotion methods for use within their own library or information context.
• Identify and evaluate approaches that might prove successful within the context of a local Libraries Awareness Week.
• Describe the main considerations when planning and implementing a marketing strategy.
• Engage with fellow participants in discussing issues connected with the marketing and promotion of information services.

What does the course involve?

The course will typically involve:

1. Receiving approximately twenty-seven email communications (approximately 3-4 per week over eight working weeks - you have a two-week break during the course [22nd December-5th January] where there will not be any tasks set) via the FOLIO Jiscmail discussion list at: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/FOLIO.html.

2. Reading approximately one briefing per week.

3. Working on individual tasks/exercises (approximately once a week for participants following the group supported-route and approximately twice a week for participants following the self-directed route).

4. For group-supported participants only: Interaction with a “buddy group” in connection with tasks/exercises (approximately once a week).

6. Compiling a portfolio recording the above for submission to the course team.

7. Completion of a course evaluation form at the end of the course.

The course will be certificated by the NLH. Participants submitting a complete portfolio and meeting the above requirements will be awarded either a standard pass, an honours pass or a distinction.

How long will the course take to complete?

To produce a good portfolio, course participants should spend about 2-4 hours per week on the ProMISe tasks and exercises.

Who is eligible to participate?

The course is open to pre-registered librarians providing services to NHS staff in the UK. No late applications accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the course cost?

Costs for the UK-version of the course are being met by the NLH. The course is therefore free at the point of delivery.

What if I have to miss a few days due to holidays or work commitments?

It is possible to “catch up” within a two week extension automatically offered at the end of the course.

What if I work part-time?

Previous participants have found it possible to complete FOLIO courses even when working on a part-time basis. Part-time participants will particularly benefit from the two week extension offered at the end of each course.

Can I join part-way through the course?

Unfortunately due to issues concerning group dynamics, together with administrative arrangements, it is only possible to participate if you have pre-registered for the course. However we naturally hope that the course will be so successful that it will be repeated on a later occasion!

What if members of my buddy group do not participate?

Participants have committed themselves to the course. However, circumstances may make it impossible for a buddy to participate. During the ProMISe course, participants are divided into small "buddy groups" of three or four people. Therefore if one or two of your buddies withdraw from the course, it will still be possible to complete the tasks set. In the event of all the members bar one of a buddy group withdrawing from the course, the FOLIO course team will provide some alternative which will depend on the stage at which this occurs. For example during Weeks One and Two it may be possible to join “orphan” buddies with another group without disruption to the course. In Weeks Three and Four you might be paired with a member of the course team for completion of a specific task. In Weeks Five-Eight you may be given an alternative version of the exercise that it is possible to complete on your own. At all times our primary concern will be your educational progress. If you have a problem related to your buddies then email us at folio@sheffield.ac.uk with the message header “ProMISe Buddy Group”.

What if I am unable to complete the course?

Send an email to folio@sheffield.ac.uk with the message header “ProMISe Withdrawal”. If you no longer wish to receive the course materials you should also send the message “leave folio” to jiscmail@jiscmail.ac.uk. However you are free to continue to “lurk” as long as you send your “Withdrawal” email to folio@sheffield.ac.uk.

NB. Please note that it may still be possible to be credited with completion of the course even if your portfolio is not quite complete. This will depend upon both the nature of your reason for non-completion and the extent of completion of the portfolio. The decision of the facilitator, to be made upon conclusion of the course, will be final.

What if a link in a course email does not work?

Some email systems will split links into two lines causing them to be broken. All you need to do is copy and paste the whole link into your Internet browser.

What if I have an unresolved query concerning the course?

You can send an email to folio@sheffield.ac.uk. Please include the word “ProMISe” in your email subject heading. We shall endeavour to answer your query within two working days.

Useful References

For more information about promoting and marketing library and information services, see the following references:

• Booth, A. (2000) "Marketing a service" In: Booth, A. & Walton, G. (Eds.) Managing knowledge in health services. (pp. 162-172). London: Library Association. Avaible from: http://www.shef.ac.uk/scharr/mkhs/chapters/chap12.rtf  [Accessed November 2008] 

• Booth, A. (2004) "Introducing an evidence based approach to marketing and promotional activities" In Booth, A. & Brice, A. (Eds.) Evidence Based Practice for Information Professionals: A handbook. (pp. 257-271). London: Facet Publishing.
• Canadian Library Association (2007) Feliciter; 53 (3) (Issue Theme: Marketing). Available from: http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Vol_53_No_3&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=3847 [Accessed November 2008]
• Elliott de Sáez, E. (2002) Marketing Concepts for Libraries and Information Services (2nd ed.) London: Facet Publishing.
• Kassel, A. (1999) How to Write a Marketing Plan. Marketing Library Services; 13 (4). Available from: http://www.infotoday.com/MLS/jun99/how-to.htm [Accessed November 2008]

• Kumar Das, B. & Kumar Karn, S. (2008) Marketing of library and information services in global era: A current approach. Webology; 5(2), Article 56. Available at: http://www.webology.ir/2008/v5n2/a56.html [Accessed November 2008] 

• Petruzelli, B.W. (2006) Real-life Marketing and Promotion Strategies in College Libraries: Connecting with Campus and Community. USA:Haworth Press Inc.
• Rowley, J.E. (2006) Information Marketing (2nd ed.) Aldershot: Ashgate.
• Song, Y.S. (2006) Evidence-Based Marketing for Academic Librarians, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice 1 (1). Available from: http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/12/63 [Accessed November 2008]
• Spalding, H.H. & Wang, J. (2006) Marketing Academic Libraries in USA: Challenges and Opportunities. Originally presented at the 2006 Shanghai International Library Forum (SILF), August 2006. Available from: http://white-clouds.com/iclc/cliej/cl22SpaldingWang.htm [Accessed November 2008]
• Wakeham, M. (2004) Marketing and health libraries.  Health Information and Libraries Journal; 21 (4): 237-244.