MW2006 BoW: Libraries Matter [http://www.librariesmatter.com]

Thank you for nominating Libraries Matter
[http://www.librariesmatter.com] for the Innovative category.

Institution: Alliance Library System
Designer[s]: Sandy Albrow
Explanation:
Alliance Library System is a multi-type regional library system
serving 250+ libraries in central Illinois. The "Libraries Matter"
campaign started as a demonstration project to help libraries in
Alliance raise funding for special projects. Participation included
libraries from all over the country and the world. The Libraries
Matter campaign offered librarians the opportunity to post specific
funding needs on the website where multiple library causes are
aggregated. "Libraries Matter" wristbands were designed for
participating libraries to sell in their communities to help raise
funds. Over 50,000 bracelets were sold by hundreds of libraries who
shared their stories on the website.

The second phase of the "Libraries Matter" campaign took place this
fall. Alliance partnered with Tumblebooks on the creation of an
audio ebook entitled "Why Libraries Matter." This book was
publicized to libraries all over the world and made free to them to
post on their websites to share the story of why libraries matter to
people of all ages. Over 1000 libraries have downloaded the book
which can be posted on their website or sent via email to a friend
or family member. Alliance is currently working with Tumblebooks on
a way for community members and organizations to sponsor an online
audio ebook for libraries to help them raise funds.

"Libraries Matter" has been a successful and innovative project to
mot only demonstrate to libraries but for them to participate in new
and exciting ways to raise funding and awareness of library services.

Lori Bell
Director
Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center
Alliance Library System
USA
www: http://www.librariesmatter.com

You can check the Museums and the Web 2006 Best of the Web site
[http://www.archimuse.com/mw2006/best/] for the results anytime
after March 24, 2006.

All sites are reviewed by the Best of the Web judges. Nominating a
site multiple times does NOT improve its chances of winning an award.

Thank you for your interest in Museums and the Web -- we hope to see
you at MW2006!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Trant and David Bearman, Archives & Museum Informatics
MW2006 Conference Co-Chairs