Spring 2013 Update!

I have a lot of catching up to do! While the Spring semester is well underway (and graduation looms near!) I wanted to update everyone on the fabulous classes I'm enrolled in this Spring and will be posting more about soon! This semester I am taking Young Adult Programs and Services and Children's Literature and Media! Both of these courses are helping prepare me for my future as a Youth Services Librarian.  I'm learning and reading a ton and am inspired every day with exciting program ideas! Stay posted for more as I finish my last semester at Simmons College!

Planning a Library Program

One of my recent assignments was to plan a mock library program.  I based mine on a real idea that I hope to implement at the Ames Free Library.  I learned that a lot of time, staff, resources, outreach and evaluation goes into library programming.  Take a look at my sample program proposal to find out exactly what goes into planning a successful library program.  I'd love to hear from anyone who has implemented a similar manga art program or club at their library!

Manga Art Program Proposal

The following day long Manga Art Program has been carefully built around the large patron group of young adults at the Ames Free Library in the town of Easton.  The purpose of this program is to provide education and entertainment for this population. The performer has been carefully selected by referrals from other librarians in the area and their success with similar programs.  The presenter is experienced and has a detailed website providing information on workshops and even how to start a Manga Club at the library.  The website also gives tips on “how to host a successful workshop” with ideas for Japanese themed snacks, raffles and displays. If this program is popular, the library may want to look at creating a Manga Club that meets weekly to draw and watch movies.  To make this a day long program, an anime film will be shown after the workshop.  Anime is Manga in a film format, allowing patrons to visualize Manga set in motion.

The library will include questions in the evaluation form which will be given out after the program to determine if similar programs would be in the interest of this patron group(please see the Evaluation Form, Appendix A).   If this program is well received and generates interest in other patron groups such as children and adults, workshops are offered for these age groups as well and the library will look into programs that can be created for these patrons.

Description of Program:

Illustrator Andy Fish and his partner Veronica Fish lead a workshop on Japanese Manga for Young Adults. The class covers a history of Manga Art and features a hands-on workshop where patrons begin creating their own Manga Art.  The day long program will begin with this workshop, and then continue with an anime film.

Target Audience

Young Adults, ages 13-17.  This workshop is created for this specific age group, which we hope will draw not only regular patrons of the library but students at both high schools located in Easton.

Cost

$500-$410 for the seventy five minute Manga Art session.  $90 has been reserved for pizza, snacks, drinks and paper products which may not be necessary if these items are donated, as described below.   The number of young adults allowed at the workshop is unlimited so the price is a flat rate as specified by the presenter.

Number of Staff Persons Needed To:

Plan the Program: 2 –The Head of Youth Services Librarian and her Assistant will plan the program.  This includes researching the best day and time for this patron group and adjusting the budget to reflect the cost.  The Youth Services Assistant will look into teaming up with local food stores, many of which will donate food items and paper goods in exchange for being noted as a program sponsor.  This will lower the overall budget for the program and also builds relationships with local businesses. The Youth Services librarians will also select and preview the film that will be shown to reflect age appropriateness for this group.

Promote the Program: 2 –The Assistant Youth Services Librarian will handle promotion of the program by creating flyers and other print materials, some of which are provided by the performer.  The Technology Librarian will be needed to create electronic promotional materials such as e-newsletters and email advertisements.  The Technology Librarian will also promote the program on the library’s social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook and on the library website.

Produce the Program: 2- The Head of Youth Services Librarian and her Assistant will set up the room and create a display of manga novels and how-to drawing materials before the workshop begins.  The Youth Services Assistant will be in charge of food distribution and will present the film.  The Head of Youth Services will introduce the program facilitators and the Assistant Youth Services Librarian will distribute and collect evaluations at the end of the workshop.

Publicity Methods:

As stated above, the library will use a combination of print and electronic publications to promote the program.

Accompanying Library Resources:

A display of related library materials (manga related books, movies and magazines) will be highlighted with promotional posters, etc.  The library copy of the anime DVD  will be used. 

Equipment Needed:

Pencils and paper are included in the price of the workshop.  The presenters will bring their own easel for display purposes.  The library has a large wide screen television and DVD player.  Tables and chairs will be set up accordingly.  Paper plates, napkins and cups will be purchased by the library or donated by local stores.

Refreshments Served:

The presenters want attendees to focus on drawing in the seventy five minute period.  Pizza, snacks and beverages will be provided during the movie viewing following the workshop. 

Audience Evaluations/Reaction to Program:

The library has already generated great interest in a program of this type from the young adult patron group.  After the program, evaluations will be distributed to determine its success.  The library will also look at the number of attendees and observe the workshop itself.  These evaluation methods combine both qualitative and quantitative data to determine the effectiveness of the program.  We hope this program will draw existing and new patrons to the library, promoting the library and all it has to offer to the community.  In times where budgets are being cut and questioned, community support for the library is extremely important.

Appendix A

Evaluation for Young Adult Manga Art Program

1. How did you hear about this program?

1. Advertised at the library
2. Electronic advertisement form the library (Email, Facebook, Twitter)
3. Word of mouth

2. On a scale of 1-5 how satisfied were you with this program?

1 very unsatisfied     2 unsatisfied    3 neutral    4 satisfied   5 very satisfied

3. What did you like best about this program? Please describe below.

4. What did you like least about this program? Please describe below.

5. Would you come to this program again? Please check one:

Yes_____                 No______

6. Would you recommend this program to your friends? Please check one:

Yes_____                  No_____

7. Do you have younger siblings or friends that you think would enjoy a similar program? Please check one:

Yes_____                  No_____

8. Do you know adults that would enjoy this program?

 Yes_____                  No_____

 

9. Would you be interested in a Manga Club at the Ames Free Library?

  Yes_____                  No_____

10. Did the day and time of this program work for you?

   Yes_____                  No_____

11. If not, what days and times are best? Please check all that apply:

Weekdays after school­­­­_____

Saturdays _____

12. Are you interested in similar programs at the library? If yes, please provide your email below: _____________________________________________________