Library Public Service Announcements

Hello Readers!

Today we are going to check out some library public service announcements (PSAs)—a perfect topic with National Library Week coming up (April 19-25).

What is a Public Library Service Announcement?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a public service announcement as, “an announcement made for the good of the public”—which is true, but doesn’t capture the passion and intent behind a Library PSA. According to Penn State University, “A PSA is a short informational clip that is meant to raise an audience’s awareness about an important issue. PSAs may include interviews, dramatizations, animations and many other types of video and audio content”. Which is getting closer—but! My favorite definition is actually from Wikipedia (I know, I know, but just wait until you SEE it) and it states, “A PSA is a message in the public interest disseminated without charge, with the objective of raising awareness of, and changing public attitudes and behavior towards a social issue”.

In this case, the PSA is designed to change the public’s attitude and behavior towards the library. This is an essential marketing technique for libraries as their role in society evolves with the needs and desires of the communities they serve.

Effective PSA Criteria:

After pooling information from Penn State University, IUPUI Library Marketing Notes by Annette Lamb, and the examples provided in the next section, I have determined the following criteria to be essential for creating an effective PSA:

•       Short: 15-30 seconds
•      Clear Message Presented at a pace that’s easy to follow
•      Raises Awareness and/or Encourages Activism
•      Evokes Relatable Emotions
•     Supported by Facts

Examples:

Harrison Ford: Find Epic Stories at Your Library

This PSA from the American Library Association (ALA) features Harrison Ford, a famous actor talking about finding adventure at your library. It focuses on the books, movies, games and more that are “just waiting to be discovered”. It ties into Ford’s newest movie The Call of the Wild. By using a famous actor staring in a new and popular movie the ALA is attempting to persuade viewers that libraries are valuable for the materials and grand adventures they provide to users. This PSA is only 34 seconds long and features Harrison Ford speaking directly to the audience as well as very action-packed scenes from his newest movie.

Emilio Estevez: Libraries are Essential

This is another PSA created by the ALA. This one features Emilio Estevez and his latest movie The Public which is all about a public library attempting to help its most vulnerable community members. This PSA is also very short, only 31 seconds long. But it’s by far my favorite PSA. It speaks volumes about how I feel about libraries. Estevez states that “Libraries are the beating hearts of our communities” and “Libraries are where all are welcome”. Again, we see a famous actor advocating for the library. This time, however, it is the library services beyond materials that are being advocated and the library itself as the “beating heart of our community” where “all are welcome”.

PSA- Durango Public Library Novelist

This PSA was created by Durango Public Library staff. It’s funny, has a clear message and is short. It encourages viewers to check out Novelist, a read alike tool provided by the library. My only problem with this is that it goes a little bit too fast. The narration and the slides that show users how to access Novelist both go by just a little bit too quickly.

Larkynn’s Library PSA:

Denver Public Library: Personalized Digital Reading Lists, We're Still Here for You

*Please note, I am not in anyway associated with the Denver Public Library, however their Personalized Reading List is real! Check it out here: https://www.denverlibrary.org/blog/books-library-news/dodie/we-think-you-need-some-personalized-service-right-now

References:

Denver Public Library. (2020). We Think You Need Some Personalized Service Right Now. Retrieved from https://www.denverlibrary.org/blog/books-library-news/dodie/we-think-you-need-some-personalized-service-right-now

Lamb, A. (2020). Lesson 11: Advertising and Sponsorship. [Class Handout]. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, S557 Marketing.

Merriam-Webster. (2020). Public Service Announcement. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public-service-announcement 

Pennsylvania State University. (2020). Public Service Announcement. Retrieved from https://mediacommons.psu.edu/2017/02/14/public-service-announcement/

Wikipedia. (2020). Public service announcement. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_service_announcement