Using Podcasting to Get Your Foot in the Door With Community Partners
By Scott Duimstra
While podcasts aren’t new, they’re still useful—for more than just sharing information. Scott Duimstra, executive director of the Capital Area District Libraries in Lansing, Mich., started one to form deeper relationships with other local leaders. Duimstra added his own podcast, Executive Edition, to the library system’s other shows. He interviews the heads of municipal organizations about their own work, and by getting to know them and their goals, cleverly opens the door to better understanding and strong partnerships.

Special Report

New ALA Experiences in New Orleans
By Kathy Dempsey
Even after attending 20 ALA Annual Conferences, MLS editor Kathy Dempsey found new experiences in New Orleans this past June. This report mentions a not-yet-released library movie, introduces a new combination ILS/marketing tool, and shares information from sessions about branding, digital PR, and marketing strategies. Of course, it features coverage and photos from the annual PR Xchange Awards and John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Awards ceremonies.

How-To

Narrower Target Markets = More Effective Messaging
By Kathy Dempsey
MLS editor and marketing consultant Kathy Dempsey explains the finer points of narrowing broad target markets, along with why and how you should do it. This article includes lists that illustrate ways to break down large audiences into smaller groups according to demographics and other traits. Having smaller segments, Dempsey explains, allows for more-customized messages that will be more effective.

Project Management and Productivity Tools
In this issue, techie and tool lover Jennifer E. Burke compares various platforms you can use to manage group projects or organize your own work. She details five tools and mentions four others for you to explore. Most of these tools have free versions to try, as well as paid versions that are more robust.

the public, written and directed by Emilio Estevez
At the 2018 ALA Annual Conference, Kathy Dempsey had a chance to see a special screening of a new movie called the public. It’s a drama that’s set in a large public library during a brutally cold winter, during which the numerous homeless patrons decide to stage a sit-in rather than freezing outside overnight. Hollywood star Emilio Estevez conceived this story and spent 10 years researching, writing, and creating the film. Estevez was present at ALA to get librarians’ reactions to the not-yet-released movie and to talk with viewers after each screening. While Dempsey enjoyed the movie, she cautions readers about how the general public may react when the film shines a bright light on the sensitive topic of homeless populations in libraries.

This issue carries news about the new ALA president’s initiative, Libraries = Strong Communities; a PLA toolkit on family engagement; and free video PSAs by Constance Wu, co-star of Crazy Rich Asians. Also, nominations for the I Love My Librarian Award are open, and ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee has published two guidelines; one for using social media and one for preparing for controversial public programs.