The changing image of Birmingham libraries: marketing strategy into action

Abstract

In 2002 Birmingham libraries launched a marketing campaign to change their image and introduce a new branding. An integrated approach to strategic planning, performance measurement and marketing techniques enabled the campaign to achieve its objectives. The example of Birmingham libraries illustrates the various stages of a marketing campaign through planning, market research, defining objectives, target groups and messages, media planning, implementation and evaluation. It emphasises the link between the libraries’ strategy and concrete marketing targets. Birmingham libraries’ image campaign was awarded the CILIP and Emerald Public Relations and Publicity Award in 2002. The judges described the work as “a textbook example of a job done properly with serious professional support … this level of marketing for libraries should be encouraged”.

Citation

Gambles, B. and Schuster, H. (2003), "The changing image of Birmingham libraries: marketing strategy into action", New Library World, Vol. 104 No. 9, pp. 361-371. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800310493189