Aligning Digital & Print Content: Editorial Content Calendars

Presenters: David Lee King & Diana Friend, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

At their library, many staff members are content creators

Print flyers are not kept at service desks but go out to targeted groups
They hand out business cards w/ Freegal info, etc., which are more likely to be kept
They mail library news to all county households, not just card holders.

Online, they have a biweekly eNewsletter. They opt-in patrons and they must opt-out.

Problem – no single place to go for content ideas. Duplication, extra work, stepping on each other’s toes, hit & miss approach to content, styles, talent.

Solution – they created a more comprehensive, unified content calendar for entire library. Everyone who creates content follows the calendar, not just their marketing dept. The calendar includes resources, services & events.

Versions:
1. A Basecamp list, with a list for posting something on FB on each day.
2. An Excel spreadsheet, which didn't work well for everyone
3. A shared Google calendar where different staff members are assigned to write on different days

They have some genre-driven blogs

They created a video on YouTube, a parody of a Taylor Swift song: CheckItOut  Many community members got involved with the filming.

Plus/delta – what worked, what didn’t
Improved, unified content, leading to increased usage
Still working to make everyone aware of the Google calendar
Lots of meetings
Training was required on writing voice and style

They share information on FB, Instagram, Twitter, Library News, Website, eNews

Finished product – website, a custom Wordpress program calendar, social media