ALIA Top End

Careers expo 2006

Outcomes

Statistics

Number of people visiting stall = 75
Number of kits/information given out = 112
Worth doing again next year = resounding yes

Photo's

Materials

Wristbands and postcards worked really well
Brochures [64kb pdf]
Coloured brochures were good but seen as a bit wordy - main aim for this was for visitors to take the information away and read it - so maybe a shorter version.

ALIA membership information wasn't relevant to students.
Idea raised that library schools all over Australia should be highlighted.

Feedback/suggestions from volunteers

Need contact numbers of all people staffing the stalls
Prize = memory stick, Ipod, cash
Display ideas = shelf of books, computer, computer online, DVD playing
Competition/questionnaire and receive a prize
Something interactive - internet/catalogue and link to competition - e.g. live Internet, who finds a particular site or information in the fastest time wins a prize. This would highlight the IT aspect of library work

Focus on personal qualities that would indicate the kind of people who would like to work in a library - e.g. curiosity, enjoy working with people, enthusiastic, interested in cutting edge technology, storyteller - does this sound like you??? Then you would enjoy working in a library.
List of local library names - Map of NT and library locations and types of libraries.
Competition to earn goodies like wristbands - answer three easy questions based on information on display - get goody.

Recommendations

Budget should include not only cost for stall but money set aside for a small prize

Working group needs to be established earlier so sponsorship for prizes etc can be organized and provide time for designing/creating materials such as brochures

Contacting major employers is a good way to garner interest and get staff support - VITELS group good way to make initial contact.

Organizing committee therefore be made up of representatives from all main employers - they don't have to be ALIA members - having representatives from major employers means costs can be shared i.e. photocopying etc.

A uniform look should be encouraged for staff on stall - black t-shirts worked well and feedback was that they looked good. Staff should wear employer name badges.

Keep stall displays simple - keep it generic - no library brochures - advertise library and information sector in general.

Contact ALIA earlier to get promotional materials such as wristbands etc. Make sure the school of Library studies at CDU is involved earlier - gives them more time to get students involved and design a handout for their courses.

Have something, which involves the visitors - a competition, prize, quiz etc.

Keep brochures to a minimum and those you do have ensure the information is represented in an easy to use and read format.

Involve ALIA members - their ideas/support are valuable.

Listen to feedback from other events - don't reinvent the wheel.

Have volunteers who are passionate and outgoing and not afraid to be a bit out there.

Sarah White
Vice Convener
AliaTE