Embervision

Culture Minister causes a stir in the UK papers this week

Margaret Hodge's speech to the Association of London Chief Librarians

Thursday 6 March 2008 at http://http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Minister_Speeches/margaret_hodge/margarethodge_speech_londonchieflibrarians_06march2008.htm

Tell us what you think...... keeping in mind that average Australian active public library membership is sitting at 49% - many Oz libraries I know are up there at 70%, libraries are proud, beautiful, well-resourced and efficienctly run. A couple of Library Services there have staff working incredibly hard - 60-90k loans per fte per annum. As well as quality info services, reader advice.

So what's to be done in the UK? We in Embervision have very strong ideas about this- but we'd like to hear yours.....email us info@embervision.cc or make a posting.

A zero cost promotional idea to bring your customers closer

Working with Buckinghamshire libraries in the UK this month - I see that the team are adjusting their email signature to show what book they are each reading at the moment - what a great idea to promote the Year of Reading. It's a way of bringing the customer closer to the staff and making the service more personal.

This can work with any promotion / new product/service whether in a garden centre, farm shop or government department.

To do this in Outlook - click Tools, Options, Mail Format and then Signatures.

Best wishes,

Ian Spence, Embervision

Currently reading Affluenza by Oliver James. Oliver is appearing at next week's 'Aye Write' festival in Glasgow.