Sticky 'Brary

So I'm a little sheepish to admit that it has taken me so long to figure out the following, but here it is: When doing a presentation, leave a few minutes at the end to get people signed up for library cards. In retrospect this seems like a total no-brainer but in the past I felt that I had to use all my allotted time to explain the virtues of the library. After having read most of Nudge , I now realize the error of my ways. And what were the errors of my ways? Specifically, I didn't realize how seemingly small hurdles (like coming into a branch to get a library card) throw up roadblocks of inertia to those who would like to use the library's databases but just can't carve the time out of their day to come in and get a card. Once I have a group thinking about the benefits of the library, that is the time to get them hooked up with a card. Asking them to take the information home or back to their businesses and then come back to get a card is just asking too much. ...

Problem: The business community could make good use of some of the library's resources, especially some of our databases. But they don't know such resources exist, or at least aren't aware that they are freely available via the library. And who has time to come into the library to sign up for a library card? Possible solution: Each business that operates within the City of Spokane must have a city business license. I'm in the very beginning stages of working with the city's Business License office to have them issue library cards to the owners of businesses located within the city limits when they sign up of their business license. We'll see if having a card provided to them will increase the business community's library use. Note: The bookmarks I mentioned a few posts back are nearly ready to go to the printer so I should have some news relatively soon about their effectiveness...