In one of our peer learning Elluminate sessions, a question was asked about tips for Storytelling as a learning and communication activity. We have told stories about our work as part of our peer to peer learning (see more about
virtual meeting storytelling). Science
tells us stories are important to us. They can help people hear and remember your messages, and when patrons tell you their stories, you can learn what they need and want. Stories are attractive to all your constituents: patrons, the media, funders and government.
In Renew Washington, for example, capturing stories of how patrons have used their RW experiences to help get a job is a great qualitative evaluation strategy. With the patron's permission, you could share that story with other patrons, funders and the media. Patrons can provide peer support about learning how to improve their resumes by sharing their experiences with each other - via stories.
Are you telling your libraries stories? How? Add your stories about storytelling!
Here are a few resources to get you started.
- This Stanford course syllabus on Storytelling has some great links at the end and gives you a sense about the practice.
- Anecdote (a company in Australia) has some great storytelling tipsand resources on their blog.
