ABSTRACT

Aspects of library public relations (LPR) programmes take place outside the library. This is not surprising considering that LPR is designed to help the library forge a good understanding and relationship with members of the community that constitutes its publics. A good percentage ofthese publics do not operate within the library. Some may not have visited the library. A proactive library manager and his/her management team goes the extra mile to cultivate the patronage and goodwill ofthese external publics. External LPR activities can, therefore, be defined as those programmes that are organized outside the immediate environment or physical facilities ofthe library, programmes under this kind of LPR focus on those publics that operate outside the library. The activities are generally geared towards drawing the attention of the outside community to the resources and services ofthe library. External LPR targets painting a good image for the library outside its place of operation or immediate surroundings. This aspects ofpublic relation is usually ventured into after the library management has given the required attention to improving the quality of services and facilities within the library. This is so because it would be embarrassing to invite people to a library that is not in order in terms of cleanliness, good services courteous and well-dressed staff, functional facilities, etc.