News

A new Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community partnership program is offering local public libraries assistance in designing mobile-friendly websites, brand management and marketing assistance, and a robust set of non-credit small business and leisure learning classes.

Public libraries have long been the backbone of public education, creating stronger, smarter and more vibrant communities. Playing a key role in the development and maintenance of the region, libraries provide access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions that may otherwise not exist.

However, many libraries today are finding it harder to connect, generate interest, foster advocacy and grow in the digital age. Budgets are being cut, staff reduced and programs canceled. Through its Library Partnership Program, SIUE is committed to helping change those trends.

“Learning does not end with a formal education - for most, it’s a lifelong activity,” said Tim Engelman, SIUE Office of Educational Outreach. “Public libraries allow people to acquire new skills at various stages of life in a setting and location that’s familiar, close and comfortable. They are an important and vital piece of the architecture of America. With this new program, SIUE is going to shine a light on that fact.”

The program offers free brand, marketing and advertising mentorship, technical assistance in building and maintaining a new mobile-friendly website, micro-and-email marketing insight, and guidance on creating community-based advocacy programs and campaigns.

The program also gives partnering libraries full access to SIUE’s new House Call program, bringing an exciting collection of community-based non-credit lectures, workshops, classes and certificate programs to their front door.

“When a library becomes a partner, we’ll review their current brand, email and marketing strategy, make suggestions as to how to improve them, and provide the needed insight, know-how and physical support to foster positive advancement,” said Engelman.

“Our House Call program bridges the gap between a continued formal education and what individuals can find digitally,” Engelman continued. “It offers access to exciting sets of lectures, workshops and classes such as Writing Your First Book, Getting Your First Book Published, You and Your new DSLR Camera, Painting with a Lens, Winning Social Media Strategies, Photo and Video techniques for Small Businesses, and more.”

For more information, contact Engelman in the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach, at 618-650-3210.