This is a hands-on and interactive workshop which breaks library marketing down into manageable chunks, free of jargon and gimmicks.

We’ll look at what marketing means in a non-profit context, then cover some golden rules of marketing well, including simplicity, tailoring messages for different groups, how to frame the message, and marketing in campaigns.

Everything in this training is designed to be applicable right away, whether you want to better communicate the value of a particular service, or to market your entire library.

Trainer bio: Ned Potter is Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York, and a Trainer for various organisations including the Bodleian Libraries, the British Library, Jisc and the NHS. He has run library workshops across four continents, and his presentations have been viewed over 2.5 million times online.

His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social

Feedback from previous versions of this workshop:

“One of the most useful training sessions I have attended - everything targeted to the audience, professional, knowledgeable facilitator” – LIEM, Leicester

“Lots of useful information presented in a fun and clear away. I came away with my head buzzing with ideas for things I wanted to do, learn more about, or information I wanted to pass on to colleagues.” Bodleian Libraries, Oxford University

“Comprehensive and useful, at a level that is readily understandable. Lots of useful tools to take away. Really, really valuable. Great presentation style. Relaxed and informative, lots of practical examples and visuals" - PiCS, Melbourne

“Cannot be improved! Perfect and I am leaving with loads and loads of food for thought.” NHS Health Education England

“Very well delivered and paced. Ned was really engaging and the workshop was definitely useful and thought provoking. Really enjoyable session, I left with a lot of respect for Ned’s attitude and advice on communications and felt that it was really helpful to hear from someone who actually understands libraries and how librarians work!” University of the Arts, London

“Lots of insights! Tips and techniques too. Ned is a very warm and engaging presenter. Excellent slides.” – CILIP, London

“Very useful - well paced, felt the presenter had a real handle on the subjects but could also relate to individual issues that arise from being a library set within a large institution. Pitched at a good level too - not dumbed down but not over my head either. Thank you for coming out to us!” - Oxford Brookes

“I loved the content. It made sense, it was practical, and gave me lots and lots to think about. Best thing: we’ll DO something with it!” - PiCS, Sydney

“Excellent! Engaging, informative and full of useful hints and tips. Ned is a relaxed and personable presenter who really knows his stuff. A thoroughly enjoyable day from start to finish.” – Academic Research Libraries Group

”Thank you. I learned a ton and will start using it immediately. So useful.” – NEFLIN, Florida

“I’ll be bringing loads of new things back to teach others. I’m bursting with ideas. Great content, all legitimately relevant. Lots of good tips. I agree that everything Ned taught us can be used immediately as opposed to just talking about future trends like a lot of presenters do. Super practical!!” – PiCS, New Zealand

“Make the speaker come more often for different subjects. Ned Potter was super!” - Initiative Fortbildung, Berlin

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