Utah Libraries SNAPSHOT DAY 2012
What is SNAPSHOT DAY | Why Should I Participate | What Do I Need to Do |
When is SNAPSHOT DAY | Do I Need a Special Activity | Resources | Results | Contacts
One day in the life of Utah libraries
April 8-14, 2012
REALLY...Any time in APRIL will be good.
Deadline to submit your feedback April 30.
An initiative jointly sponsored by the Utah Library Association, Utah Educational Library Media Association, Utah Academic Library Consortium, and the Utah State Library Division.
Thank You to the New Jersey Library Association, the New Jersey State Library, and the American Library Association for providing much of the content for this site.
CHECK OUT THE RESULTS FROM 2011 HERE.
What is the Utah Library SNAPSHOT DAY 2012?
On April 8-14, 2011, the entire library community across the beehive state -- academic, public, bookmobiles, school, tribal and special libraries -- are invited to record with stories, photographs, and statistics the indisputable proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services to our constituents. The information you gather will allow us to document the positive impact libraries services make every day in communities statewide.
Why should I participate? What's in it for me?
Consider these questions: What if libraries went away? What would the impact be on the people you serve? What would happen if there was no library? Our libraries are busier than ever, providing awesome services in challenging economic times, however, our funding sources and constituents may not know this fact. We can document the vital services libraries offer every day with statistics, stories and photographs "a day in the life" of the library. Tell your library story and prove your value!
What do I need to do?
Assign one staff person to be the "leader". This leader will be responsible for printing and distributing survey forms and comment cards to frontline staff and explaining how to record activities for the day. The leader can be photographer for the day or can organize other staff to take photos. When the SNAPSHOT DAY is completed -- when the day is over the leader will compile all the data gathered. The leader will enter total statistics and testimonials for the library to the online survey, and will upload the photos to flickr®. Just follow these SIX EASY STEPS:
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STEP 1 - Prepare your staff: Involve everyone from the beginning, and teach them what SNAPSHOT DAY is all about. Make an organizational commitment to participate, ask staff how your library can get involved and succeed in capturing a snapshot that expresses the spirit of your library. Here are some Tips for Success (pdf).
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STEP 2 - Collect Statistics: We recommend that you print out this data collection form and have a copy available at every service point. Use one of these Templates & Graphics.
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STEP 3 - Collect Feedback and Testimonials from Library Users: Ask your patrons, students and clients to write down in the postcard-sized comment cards what difference the library makes in their lives. Use one of these forms.
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STEP 4 - Capture Images of Your Users: Ask permission to take pictures of your patrons and students using the library. Remember to get a signed photo release, here's a sample you can customize.
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STEP 5 - Enter your Statistics and Testimonials here
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STEP 6 - Upload your photos to flickr®: The login, password, and step-by-step directions describing how to upload photos are in this pdf.
When Should I have my SNAPSHOT DAY?
REALLY...Any time in APRIL will be good.
Deadline to submit your feedback April 30.
We recommend that you collect your statistics, user testimonials, and photographs on one target date between April 8-14, 2012. Take into consideration your library's schedule and circumstances and remember these dates coincide with National Library Week>. These celebrations should generate excitement and anticipation as the target date approaches, and unify the diverse libraries in the state as they work towards a common goal.
Do I need to have a special activity or library program on SNAPSHOT DAY?
In 2008, Governor Huntsman signed a concurrent resolution of the Legislature designating "Love Your Library Week" in the State of Utah. To celebrate SNAPSHOT DAY and National Library Week you may want to create a special display, conduct a library tour, or hold a family storytime. Remember, the goal of SNAPSHOT DAY is to capture the statistics, user testimonials, and photographs that accurately portray a day in the life of your library.
What other resources can I use to prepare for my SNAPSHOT DAY?
A collection of forms, templates, logos, and graphics can be found in the Templates & Graphics page of this website. Also, you can view a recording of the Library Snapshot Day webinar conducted by the American Library Association HERE.
When can I see the results of SNAPSHOT DAY?
After April 30, 2012 visit the Utah Libraries Snapshot Day 2012 flicker photostream for cool pictures of library activity around the state and visit the SNAPSHOT Results page to check out a day in the life of Utah libraries...
Who can I contact for more information?
- Jeri Openshaw State Library 801-715-6737
- Juan Tomás Lee State Library 801-715-6769
Committee members for Utah Libraries Snapshot 2012 included:
- Britton Lund, Utah Library Association Legislative Committee & Washington County Library
- Donna Jones Morris, Utah State Library Division
- Jeri Openshaw, State Library
- Juan Tomás Lee, State Library
- Kim Rollins, Utah Academic Library Consortium
- Special Libraries in Utah