The Library Dividend – media release template
[write your media release on letterhead]
[headline]
Public libraries deliver strong return on investment
[first sentence, no more than 25 words]
New research shows every dollar invested in Queensland public libraries is worth $2.30 in benefits to the community.
This equates to an estimated $478 million value contributed by Queensland’s public libraries to community welfare each year.
[spokesperson’s position title and full name eg State Librarian Janette Wright] said the research also showed that public libraries contribute $614 million to Queensland’s income and add nearly $300 million to Queensland’s Gross State Product each year.
She / he said, “The study was commissioned by State Library of Queensland to provide hard evidence of the value of public libraries.
“There’s a reason 45% of Queenslanders are members of public libraries – they deliver real benefits that are valued by the community.
“The report quantifies value in economic terms that are meaningful to decision-makers.
“The findings show library users saved nearly $400 per year by using library services instead of a commercial alternative and 97% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall service of their public libraries.”
[Ms / Mrs / Mr last name eg Ms Wright] said the research showed an investment of just over $40 per person was required to provide all the current services delivered by public libraries.
She / he said, “As well as books, dvds, and cds, public libraries also provide access to ebooks, computers, internet and WiFi, children’s activities, adult learning programs and community meeting rooms.
“Public libraries are seen as safe, welcoming spaces and serve a very important community-building role.”
The research was conducted by SGS Economics & Planning on behalf of State Library of Queensland.
END
Media inquiries
[name of media contact – must be available to respond quickly to media], [position title], [organisation]
[email address], [mobile], [landline]
10 tips for writing media releases
1Why is it news? Who is interested and why? The answers to these two questions will tell you if its worth writing a release at all (and will also guide you in developing a target media list)
2Title should summarise the story. It’s usually best not to try for a snappy headline – leave that to the journalist
3First paragraph should be no longer than 25 words
4First paragraph should summarise the entire story
5Succeeding paragraphs fill in the detail in order of decreasing importance (stories are usually cut from the bottom so you put details in the last couple of paragraphs that you can afford to lose)
6Introduce your spokesperson with their full title followed by their full name (use no commas). When you refer the spokesperson thereafter, use the honorific (eg Mr/Ms/Mrs/Dr) and the last name.
7Any opinions should be attributed to the person or people you quote in the release (and in the past tense – ‘said’, not ‘says’)
8Standard quotes run like this:
State Librarian Janette Wright said the study showed….
She said, “The private sector has a lot of catching up to do.”
9Usually each paragraph is only one sentence long
10Release should ideally fit comfortably onto one page (double spaced if possible)
What to do with your media release
If possible, send a photo with the release (a high res jpeg is ideal). The photo can be of your spokesperson and / or your library.
Send it to your local media. It is best to address it to a particular journalist. You will usually be able to find contact details on their website (if not, send to the editorial enquiries email address).
Follow up by phone the next day.