Bloomsburg Public Library Internship Week 3

My third week as an intern in the marketing department of the Bloomsburg Public Library, I continued to learn how much was really happening behind the scenes and even did a little bit of actual physical/manual labor. It was a week focused on organization, visibility, and making sure patrons had the most accurate and up-to-date information about things happening not only in the library but in the wider community. A lot of what I did revolved around upkeep.

Monday was spent printing and hanging materials, specifically for the upcoming "Murder Mystery: Publish or Perish" which is the third installment of the library's biggest and most lucrative fundraising event. I printed 16 posters, in 8.5 x 11, and then hung them in every possible high-traffic area of the library: all of the bathrooms except the children's library, on both front doors as well as the back one, above the water fountain and computer stations, in the elevator, and even in the staircase leading to the library. The reason I needed so many for only 10 spots is because of the rule mentioned in my previous blog about using two different posters with one paper in the middle on glass to avoid light leaks. Strategic placement is everything to get the most eyes possible on things.

In addition to the Murder Mystery posters, I also printed a Black History Month sign. This poster was larger, 11x17, and went into a bottom load-sign holder which was then placed on a table in the middle of the library full of books about black characters by black authors. This way of doing signage looks way more polished and formal. Working with different sizes and display methods showed me how design choices can affect how information is presented and perceived.

After printing and hanging was done, I moved onto more behind-the-scenes worker. I spent time looking through the library's Canva's folder files, watching the monitor slideshow, checking the event calendar, and reviewing all the posters and flyers around the building to make sure everything was up-to-date. This really highlighted to me how easily it is for things to become outdated and overwhelming if they aren't actively maintained.

The 16 x 9 graphics used for digital displays were mostly up to date, but I noticed that the "Star-Crossed" romantasy book club banner was missing an updated version that included the books for the next three months. When I checked the flyers, both the "Bibliophiles" book club and the "Star-Crossed" book club flyers were out of date. However, the "Caught Read-Handed" murder mystery/psychological thriller book club had information posted all the way through March. The same pattern carried over to the posters: the Star-Crossed poster was the only one that needed updating. The TV displays matched the flyers exactly, which made it even more important that the flyers be current so there is no confusion for interested patrons.

However, I was really surprised to find that "Caught Read-Handed" was not even on the calendar. Even though flyers and posters were out, patrons would not know when it was happening if they solely relied on the calendar or even just used the calendar to double-check. Later that week, we had someone come in 10 days early for it! That moment really emphasized how truly important it was not only that all information is kept up-to-date but also that all systems of information sharing are updated within a reasonable time of each other.

On Thursday, I helped hang promotional posters we had received and been asked to hang up by Quest Outdoor Adventure and Leadership. In doing this, I was taught something new about how the library organizes non-library event posters in the lobby. I learned that local arts events, like BTE shows and gallery showings, go on the concrete columns by the door and around the bulletin board on the right side of the lobby. Social work posters belong on the left side of the lobby, while other nonprofit and community improvement program/event posters go on the bulletin board. Learning these placements helped me understand how the library maintains clarity and order in a space that could be really overwhelming with the amount of people who want to hang things.

Overall, my third week really taught me a lot about coordinating information sources.


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