Free Tools to Create Infographics

Wouldn't it be great if you could design professional looking infographics for your library? If only you were a REAL designer, right? Well, you might just be in luck! Take a look at what you can do with these free sites.

Visual.ly allows you to "tell stories with data."  Don't just talk about it...show it! Here's a great example:

http://visual.ly/american-public-libraries-community-internet-access

http://www.easel.ly/create/?id=https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/5404/__library_survey&key=pri

Easel.ly is another amazing tool you can use to create infographics.  Why not share your next LibQual results through a graphic?  I just love this idea.

Also- check out this free tutorial on creating infographics from School Library Journal.

Many thanks to my tech-geek colleague, Ken Fujiuchi, for sharing these sites with me. Thanks, Kenny!

Create a Meme!

This idea comes from Katie Bertel, one of our librarian interns. She created clever marketing posters using the Meme generator (http://memegenerator.net/).  This is a fun way to use popular culture and the possibilities are endless.  Check out the site and see what you can create. (Note: I think this would make a great student contest-- providing the proper guidelines are in place.)

Quiet Please

Shhh! Our new 24/7 "QuietQuad" study area needed a "Quiet Please" sign. After much contemplation, we decided to go with a wall sized reminder. A local signage business helped us design this vinyl stick-on sign. The cost was very reasonable...AND the message seems to be getting across, too.

Note: This is removable vinyl in a copper metallic color, made by FASTSIGNS. The cost including installation was $460. 

National Poetry Month: Off the Map

Looking for a new project to help celebrate National Poetry Month?  We used outdated topographical maps as canvas for poetry!  Maps were on display in the library for the month of April.  View the complete "Off the Map" poetry project on E. H. Butler Library's website. 

Why Do You Love Your Library?

Looking for an frugal way to show your library love?  For National Library Week we made up blank sheets labeled "Why Do You Love Your Library: Tell Us in Six Words or Less OR Draw a Picture" and handed them out to patrons and staff.  Responses were pinned to a bulletin board placed near the front entrance of the library.  I also scanned many of the responses and put the images on our Facebook page. This is a great way to engage patrons and get your staff involved too! 

Wanna Collaborate?

Poster Design by Dennis Reed, Jr. 

I'm really excited about this semester's upcoming book club and activities! We are continuing our collaboration with the Women's Studies Program, which allows us to join forces in running the book club and obtaining funding for the books and author visit. When searching for meaningful ways to contribute to student learning, consider the activities already happening through campus clubs and organizations. Is there a speaker scheduled to visit? If so, could you offer to run a book club or speaker series that piggy-backs off of the topic? A little collaboration can go a long way in ensuring success!

Chalk It Up

When it comes to creating inexpensive displays, don't overlook simple chalk and bulletin boards. Our "Green Team" used an existing "chalk board" wall (try chalk board paint!) and simply added a bulletin board.  The display can be easily changed, and allows students and staff to display their artistic abilities!