What’s design got to do with it?

We’ve often joked about the fact that we judge books by their covers, but be honest, doesn’t everyone?  I know in our library the books with intriguing covers get more checkouts and require less marketing.  Good covers simply “sell” themselves to our readers.  On the flip side, books with plain, poorly designed covers, just don’t circulate well.  Recently an author commented that a poorly designed cover sabotaged his book’s success. 

When you think about it, our library programs have a lot in common with book covers.  What we show the world can determine if our patrons choose to spend time in the LMC or if they decide to go with the overwhelming number of other things competing for their attention.  Actually, we’ve been thinking about this a lot this year.  Recent trips to the METC and MASL conferences only reinforced what we’ve been feeling.  At the METC conference we attended a design workshop that focused on the art of using fonts, colors, and arrangement to get people’s attention.  The design workshop at MASL highlighted all the free resources available to weave good design into all aspects of our library program.  The common theme - there are no excuses – everything you put out there needs to be carefully planned and define who you are.  Basically, we are no different than a retailer who is using purposeful marketing and design to attract business.  I love this quote that often appears when I am downloading a flyer from Canva.  It sums it up perfectly. 

So, how does good design really impact a library program?  In our program, these things are impacted the most:

·      Branding – Having a mission and vision statement is essential, but it must also be reflected in your physical and digital space. Consider a logo that sparks recognition and invites others to ask about your program.  Make sure the arrangement of your physical space matches your vision.  Think about your website – not only are layout and design important, but the things we post there must be in harmony with our goals. 

·      Marketing – Kids are busy and we are competing for their attention.  If programs, workshops, book clubs, resources and events are worth planning, they are worth the time and effort it takes to create quality, eye-catching marketing materials. 

·      First/lasting impressions – Is it just me, or does it seem like every time you make a quick run to the store without makeup and in your oldest sweatpants, you run into everyone you know?  My friends know I typically look more put together, but imagine meeting someone for the first time looking like a mess. The chance to make a stellar first impression is gone.  The things we create in our library are the same – flyers, displays, social media posts, website content – they should always be well-planned and your best effort; not hastily thrown together.  You never know who you are reaching for the first time!

This says it all!  Happy designing!