A marketing plan for LDC Library services

Abstract

The project was on a marketing plan for LDC Library services to identify methods for marketing library services, challenges laced by staff’ in marketing library services. A marketing plan is defined as a business document outlining your marketing strategy and tactics. Method of data analysis was by table formulation and explanation of table based on data retrieved, Beneficiaries of the project are academic libraries, they stand to benefit from the project as it identifies marketing problems and proffers solution. In addition, this conceptual paper reviews literature on marketing of library products and services, and discusses various ways and means for the same. Several marketing techniques to promote the usage of library resources and services have been highlighted in the literature. It is seen that majority of libraries do not have a marketing culture. It is recognized that libraries need to formulate marketing plan along with financial budget on a yearly basis so that library resources can he utilized optimally. Libraries in developing countries have been struggling to conduct outreach programmes to market their resources and services. Latest technologies such as. Web 2.0 and mobile services have opened up ne avenues to do marketing in efficient and cost effective ways. Therefore. Libraries should not leave any stone unturned to apply the latest technologies in promotion of resources and services amongst the stakeholders. The funding agencies must formulate guidelines for marketing the library resources and services so that the library resources can be utilized optimally. The research shoed that blogging and emailing are the best means of marketing libraries services. Lack of funds remains the major marketing problem in the studied libraries. There is a possible solution to marketing problems in libraries: adequate funding remains the best solution to these problems. The conclusion dawn included that: the study ends with a call to integrate marketing into the plans and policies of any institution to maximize its effectiveness.