Comparing apples

Who’s Comparing? Benchmarking Library Performance


07.23.18
Benchmarking is a comparison of performance measures between similar entities against recognized standards. Library benchmarks are typically comparisons of numerical statistics such as circulation, visits, …
Ivy Group's logo leaf icon 3D printed

3D Printing (for Free) at Your Library


08.01.17
Several years ago, the idea of printing objects seemed extraordinary. Now, it’s more mainstream and available to the public, particularly through libraries. Curious to experience 3D printing firsthand, Ivy Group programmer Landon Dorrier popped over to a local Charlottesville library to get hands-on experience.
Library card design for Ypsilanti District Library

Why Give a Public Library a Tagline?


06.22.17
Support advocacy efforts. It's no secret that over the past twenty-five years, public libraries, alongside schools and other services, have felt the pinch of straitened municipal …

Only in Des Moines During a National Election


03.04.16
It’s political season and Greg Heid, Library Director, Des Moines (IA) Public Library recounts his primary experience to The Ivy Group.
library kiosk

To Kiosk or Not to Kiosk: That is Only Part of the Question


08.12.14
As electronic services crowd out print, the costs of facilities--construction, renovation, and upkeep--are under unprecedented scrutiny. Several library systems we have worked with as consultants have considered …

Aspirin for Holiday Closures


05.19.14
Holiday library closures can be a major headache.

Children as Library Donors


04.14.14
Do you encourage children to donate to the library? Is it productive, ethical and strategic to do so?

What Should You Require From Your Library’s Website?


03.31.14
Start with responsive web design, quality content, intuitive navigation, and a user-friendly content management system.

Libraries “at the core” of Common Core State Standards


03.13.14
As Common Core State Standards are adopted, students will rely even more on library resources.

Are Focus Groups a Necessary Research Method?


01.22.14
We often receive inquiries about focus groups. In common use for many years in corporate America, their popularity has migrated into the non-profit sector. However, …
Polar Express Library Event

All Aboard the Polar Express


03.11.13
It may be March, but it's never too early to start planning for the holidays! Schlow Centre Region Library in State College, Pa. has partnered with …

Love Your Library Month


02.13.13
February is Love Your Library Month! How can you show your love for your local public library? You could… Write a library love letter to the editor of …

Success Story: Achieving Library Funding


12.17.12
LaTanya Burno, Director of J. Lewis Crozer Library tells her story.

Send Your Sick Board to the Intensive Care Unit


11.02.12
Library directors will tell you their Board of Trustees or Board of Directors can be a great source of satisfaction and support or a hotbed …

Training Your Library’s Board of Trustees


08.24.12
Now more than ever, there is a critical need for well informed and competent people to serve on boards.