Snapshot Day is a library advocacy effort started by the New Jersey Library Association and promoted  by the American library Association.  The idea is simple and easy--on April 15th (or another day that week) take photos of the people and activities in your library, collect quotes from people, and  record a few simple statistics.  We can then use these photos, quotes, and statistics to tell the story of how our libraries are important to our communities. Check out these 20 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to use Snapshot for success at your library!

• How to Participate
• Logos to Promote Snapshot Day

Photos from 2011 Snapshot Day

Last year’s photos included activities in all types of libraries, from the Juneau Public Library to University of Alaska Anchorage/Alaska Pacific University Consortium Library, from Goldenview Middle School in Anchorage to the Innoko River Community/School Tribal Library in Shageluk. Shots include a busy librarian in Palmer, library users from all over the state, and the Alaska State Library’s Alaska Native Libraries, Archives, and Museum Summit in Anchorage.  This year join the 20 participating libraries from 2011, and add your library’s activities to the data collection and Flickr stream for Alaska Snapshot Day 2012.

How to Participate

If your library can't participate on April 15, you are welcome to choose any day that week; we have a different version of the banner for each day, below.   

• Snapshot Day Statistics Tally Form (doc): You can modify this form and print it out, to place at the reference and/or circulation desk(s), for tallying numbers throughout Snapshot Day.  You can then use the data from this form to fill out the Snapshot Day Form, below.
• Snapshot Day Form (Google Form): After Snapshot Day, fill out this form once to participate by sharing your statistics and activities. It would be nice to have done by April 30, if at all possible.
• Snapshot Day Handout (doc): Sample handout to collect quotes and other information from your customers. Customize with your own library's information.  *please note that this handout may collect information that is NOT requested on the statistical form*  If you would like to point web users to this handout or make available on OPACs use this link, http://bit.ly/eMQGMN
• Directions for Uploading Photos to Flickr (doc): Share your photos and captions from Snapshot day by uploading to Flickr. Visit our 2011 Snapshot Flickr set for some inspiring photos.
• Sample Photo Release (doc): Please consider printing this release on the back of your customized handout/patron survey.  A great way to get a photo release and comments from your patrons with one form.

Logos to Promote Snapshot Day

Right click to download and save.

Special thanks to Jim Bruck for the special artwork and graphic design!  Would you like to create some Alaska specific artwork?  Contact a team member to share it here!

Credits

Thanks to the New Jersey Library Association for their innovative work and for sharing their website, which we have borrowed from extensively!  SNAPSHOT: One day in the life of New Jersey libraries.

Thanks also to the American Library Association for their handy primer on snapshot day.