Young Professionals:the group you don’t realize you’re missing
Amy MatherTechnology Librarian, Omaha Public Library
Manya ShorrBranch Manager, Omaha Public Library
What is a young professional?
Omaha Demographics
http://www.selectgreateromaha.com/Omaha/media/docs/Publications/Greater%20Omaha%20Demographic%20Profile.pdf
Why don’t most of them use the library?
Would you use the library if you didn’t work there?
There are many reasons
• They buy their material.
• All library programming is for kids or seniors.
• They have no idea that we have resources that they might like.
• The library has no value in their lives.
What can you do?
Find the sweet spot!
How do you find them?
How we do it:
• Email blast. Are you still asking people to opt-in? Stop it!• Facebook and Twitter. Yep, they work.• Time and a little $.• Word of mouth/personal connections/staying involved with the
community. Involve yourself with local groups. • Direct mail solicitations. Be bold and ask.• Local media. If you plan a quirky and odd event, they will want to
cover it.• High turn-out numbers are great but don’t mean much. Slow and
steady.• One-night liquor license!
Most importantly,
You.
Must.
Try.