Customer insights on the use of Digital Bulletin Boards at libraries

– If you can use Word and PowerPoint, you will also succeed in using PinToMind! It is uncomplicated, which makes it truly genius, states Technical Consultant Martin McGovern. He has been at the forefront of several libraries in Ireland adopting PinToMind to manage their digital notice boards. Read more about why they chose PinToMind specifically, and find some great tips for managing digital notice boards easily and efficiently! 🎉

The journey towards Digital Notice Boards

Adopting digital notice boards commenced with a larger national ICT initiative in Ireland, allocating funds for acquiring technological equipment. Recognizing this as a golden opportunity for rejuvenation, the libraries eagerly embraced the chance to integrate digital notice boards into their spaces. Martin’s proposal resonated with the library staff, who saw great potential in this innovative approach, sparking enthusiasm and excitement.

User Friendliness as the key requirement

And so, the quest for suitable software commenced, with Martin particularly focused on a critical aspect: To find a solution so user-friendly that every library staff member could effortlessly create and publish content independently. Previous attempts at something similar had failed because it became too cumbersome.

Why specifically PinToMind?

— I came across a lot of products for digital notice boards, says Martin, and shares that he came across PinToMind almost by accident. He discovered that this was the software that was used for the digital notice boards he had seen at his own golf club. After a chat with the technical manager there, Martin quickly realized that this was what he was looking for!

— PinToMind turned out to be the simplest and least technical solution of all, he says.

This appeals

— It really appealed to me that this was really something everyone can succeed with, Martin continues. So he got started; gave the staff a course, and ensured that the use of PinToMind was implemented in the libraries. It was all very well received, both by the audience, and not least by the employees themselves.

— They love the solution for its simplicity, says Martin excitedly.

How digital bulletin boards can be used libraries

Today they actively use PinToMind to operate digital notice boards with a good mix of different posts, and Martin has great input for content and areas of use:

• Let PinToMind display automatic updates from the library's social media accounts. This way you get to use content you have already created, you reach a wider audience with it, and at the same time you get to remind people of the opportunity to follow the library on these channels.
• Publish content such as "Book of the Month", "New titles" etc. These are tips that the audience appreciates, and which stimulate the borrowing of books.
• Promote your own events via the info screens. Many libraries have a great program that more people should know about.
• Share about services at the library that many don't know exist. These can be, for instance, digital services such as loans of e-books, audio books, digital newspapers and public PCs with internet access.
• Display weather forecast and automatic news updates. These are popular posts, which are kept up to date all by themselves through PinToMind.

The screens are mostly used inside the library’s premises, but Martin also tells about a creative and effective twist: Some of the libraries have windows facing the street, and have placed a screen there! The idea is that this helps make more people aware of what the library offers and often also lowers the threshold for actually giving the library a visit. There is no doubt that in this way they reach an expanded audience. Smart, right?

Effective strategies for managing your Digital Notice Board

Together with the library staff, Martin has gained some experience with what works best on the digital bulletin boards, and here he shares some useful tips with us:

• Use few words. If it takes too long to read a post, you will lose your audience.
• Use photos. Visual content captures the attention of people!
• Publish content that updates itself, such as weather, news, and social media updates. Then you will always have relevant and updated content on your information screens.
• Do not run too many posts at the same time. Remember that people do not look at such a screen for a very long time. Prioritize the most important and most relevant content.

Do you require reliable Digital Notice Board Software?

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PinToMind could be the solution that enables you to initiate a straightforward and efficient information flow! We hope the ideas and tips above inspire you.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions! We are here to assist you and would love to help get you started! 😊