Aberdeen’s Library and Information Service is one of only four library services in the UK to win a Marketing Excellence Award from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
Their involvement in the Wild Dolphins project in summer 2014 won this year’s Silver Award for Marketing Excellence, judged by the institute’s Publicity and Public Relations Group (PPRG).
The PPRG Awards are widely acknowledged as the showcase for initiatives that fly the flag for libraries of all sizes in all sectors. They recognise marketing campaigns led by libraries across the UK that involve several elements including print, promotional events or displays, e-marketing and use of the media.
The project, titled ‘A School of Dolphins’, saw over 30 miniature dolphin sculptures displayed in libraries across Aberdeen, as part of the Wild Dolphins art project between June and August 2014. Children were encouraged to visit their local library during the school holidays to view the sculptures and find out more about the services and resources available in libraries. Throughout the period, public libraries in Aberdeen received an additional 38,805 visitors compared to the same period in 2013 and signed up nearly 2,500 new members.
The project received the Silver Award for its level of community engagement, partnership-working and variety of different channels used to promote the initiative.
Aberdeen City Council’s Convener of Education and Children’s Services Councillor Angela Taylor said: “I am delighted that City Libraries has received this award for the very successful School of Dolphins programme last summer and it is wonderful to have the hard work of all staff recognised.
“This award reinforces our commitment to promoting library activities and services across the city, raising the profile of libraries in Aberdeen and listening to customer feedback to develop services and enhance our customers’ library experience.”