University Library Communications manages a suite of tools to reach various audiences spanning local communities, the state of Iowa and beyond. Please familiarize yourself with these tools and consider ways that your department can utilize them.
Your Library
Your Library e-newsletter is the primary means the University Library has for communicating news, events, awards, workshops and other library-related items to the Iowa State campus community. This e-newsletter is emailed via iContact to approximately 7,400 faculty and staff and 31,000 students on the second Wednesday of each month except June and July. Content must be library-focused and relevant to Iowa State faculty, staff and/or students. Newsletter articles and posts can be accessed from the new news module on the library website.
Policy and submission information
Library website news: News/Events/WorkshopsNews items, events, and feature articles in this section on the library homepage highlight what is happening in the library. Examples of content may include awards earned by library staff members, workshops, and co-sponsorship of lectures (University Lectures or Ames Public Library). Department accomplishments such as the launch of a website for Scholarly Communication or milestones reached in the area of Open Access are examples of other noteworthy news items. These items may take the form of news stories or press releases.
News stories about emergency situations in the library, such as a power outage or major website issues, would also be posted in this section.
Bookends Café digital displays/public computer home screensThe digital displays in Bookends Café help us disseminate library events and news in electronic format to visitors. Slides are created for library events along with key messages and information about services.
To have a graphic placed on a digital display, complete the Marketing Request Form. Submissions are limited to library departments only.
Social Media
To initiate social media, complete the Marketing Request Form.
Social media provides an additional avenue for the library to interact with the public. It allows the library to supply information online about its activities and collections and foster a sense of community among the library’s users. All posts to library social media sites should in one way or another involve some aspect of the library.
Social media by department (list may not be exhaustive)
Bookmarks (archived issues)
Bookmarks is the library's biannual publication, which is sent to donors and friends. Print and electronic versions are created. Articles are written about activities and events in the library. Ideas for feature stories are welcome, and library staff members are welcome to submit content.
Inside Iowa State is published by the Office of Strategic Relations and Communications as part of its integrated approach to campus public relations and marketing. The library passes links to articles posted on our website to suggest for inclusion in upcoming issues. The deadline each week is noon on Wednesday for publication on Thursday.
Contact Monica Gillen for additional information on library submissions.
The University Calendar is monitored and updated by the Office of Strategic Relations and Communications as part of its integrated approach to campus public relations and marketing. University events are posted and those of recognized departments.
Printing Services on campus is our resource for printing brochures, flyers, and Bookmarks and for vinyl banners and oversize poster production. Any printing projects should originate from University Library Communications. The directive to use campus Printing Services is outlined in university policy.
If Printing Services on campus is unable to complete a project because they don't have the equipment or capability, we can secure other services through the Outsourced-print Buyer through Printing Services. Be advised that there is a 5% fee for external print orders facilitated through Printing Services.
Arrangements will be made to deliver all materials ordered from Printing Services to the office of the event facilitator or presenter. Faculty and staff are responsible for delivering them to their final destination (i.e. Memorial Union, conference venue or meeting room).
Resources are available to recognized ISU recognized student organizations and departments, which must be identified on the flyer or table tent.
Student Activity Center Flyer Distribution Service
Iowa State has approved the linked land history and Land Acknowledgment Statement. Please consider using the statement for invited lectures, special events, and other gatherings, particularly those that include visitors to campus.
Communications Specialist
Monica researches, writes, and edits content for various platforms (print, digital, email marketing, and blogs). Gillen generates and posts social media content with graphics and videos to reach a large audience.
M. Monica Gillen
Communications Specialist
Haylee Green
Graphic Designer
Susan Gent
Community Engagement Specialist
The library's collections and services are available to all ISU students, faculty, and staff and Parks Library is open to the public.
