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How to Plan Your Program 11
Leann Schneider Webb has a background in events and program planning for a variety of public institutions including history and art museums and public libraries. She currently works at Bexley Public Library in Bexley, Ohio. Contact: lschneider@bexleylibrary.org
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IntroLecture1.1
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Step 1: BrainstormLecture1.2
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Step 2: Strategic Content AreasLecture1.3
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Step 3: Develop and Research Your IdeaLecture1.4
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Step 4: Propose Your ProgramLecture1.5
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Step 5: Get ApprovalLecture1.6
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Step 6: Plan the ProgramLecture1.7
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Step 7: The BudgetLecture1.8
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Step 8: Follow Up and Write DescriptionLecture1.9
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Step 9: Put Your Program in CommunicoLecture1.10
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Step 10: It’s Program Time!Lecture1.11
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Step 3: Develop and Research Your Idea
- Once you have an idea that you are interested in pursuing as a full-fledged program, create an outline of what the program will actually look like. This includes answering the following questions:
- Who will be involved in the program? Will there be presenters / partnerships with people or organizations outside the Library?
- This is a good time to start researching possible outside partners/presenters. Is there someone at a university near you with the expertise you need? Does another organization run an outreach that fits your program?
- What kind of supplies, coordination and preparation will be necessary for the library?
- Write it out! It helps to get everything out on paper.
- When is the best time for the program? Who is the audience?
- Consider special holidays or events in the area. Is school in or out? What times have worked best for similar programs in the past?
- Do you need/want another team-member to work with you on this? This includes help with tasks like:
- reaching out to possible partners (phone calls, emails, etc.)
- running the program the night/day-of (if you are unable to be present)
- being a sounding-board for problem solving
- Who will be involved in the program? Will there be presenters / partnerships with people or organizations outside the Library?
- What is the program type? — this could be unique to your library!
- Instructional (how-to)
- Skill development: a program that includes a teacher or instructor. The primary purpose is to teach a new skill. E.g., tech training, writing workshops, drawing classes, genealogy, or life skills.
- Performance
- Includes an outside performer(s), including movies and livestreams. E.g., puppet show, magician, movies, music.
- Presentation (lecture)
- Features a speaker(s) providing expertise on a given topic. E.g., author visits, current events, history.
- Patron-Driven (interactive or passive)
- There is no “leader” for this type of program: it is predominantly self-guided. E.g., art-a-la-carte, board game day, dungeons and dragons, art receptions, volunteer celebrations.
- Storytime
- Instructional (how-to)