MLA

STIFF DYLANS/ FRANCES ROSS

Get It Loud In Libraries

Many library services across the country see the value of contemporary music as a way of promoting creativity and literacy in young people and the Get It Loud In Libraries team in Lancashire Libraries is one of the best at encouraging new young visitors into libraries through popular music events.

This toolkit gives a step-by-step guide to staging live music events in public libraries.

It has been produced by Stewart Parsons, of the Lancashire Library Service, who has run the Get It Loud in Libraries (GILIL) project since 2005 and welcomed many new acts that have gone on to chart success. Adele played Lancaster Library a year before her debut album came out while recent acts include Florence and the Machine and Bat For Lashes.

The aim of the shows is to give young people a great time in a library and re-set their perceptions about what libraries do and what they stand for. It's a route back in for those people who have lost the library habit, or never had it to begin with.

Museums, Libraries and Archives Council chair Sir Andrew Motion added his support: "It's great to see libraries reach out to engage with young people and show them the riches that lie in their local libraries. This project in Lancashire will undoubtedly encourage them to try a wide range of services from books, to reference materials, to the internet."

Photo credit: Frances Ross

Introduction - is Get It Loud for me?

If you feel your library is a genuine champion and advocate of giving people what they want most in the place they visit least,

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Why stage a show?

Setting out the five main principles of Get It Loud In Libraries and its cultural potential, ability to develop an audience and...

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Identifying your venue

A finely maintained balance of expectations and ambition is the key to identifying the right space and visualizing it filled with

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Finding your artists

GLIL's reputation and ticket sales rest squarely on the ability to pinpoint bands and artists who will make a difference to the...

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Booking, funding and licensing

Getting down to the nitty gritty. How much do you pay your band? Where can you get funding? When should you apply for an events

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Marketing and publicity

Understanding your audience is vital, so plan a campaign to target the media, schools and colleges and set up some basic...

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Staging events - the technical side

A good, polished, professional sound is crucial - advice on hiring the PA and setting up the show.

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Looking after your artist

The dos and don'ts of making your artist feel comfortable, including a checklist of things to provide them on their arrival.

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Staffing and volunteers

Choosing the right team of people to run the GILIL project is very important. The team reflects the project and is a good chance

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Security, Health and Safety

Booking security, establishing house rules, getting advice and support on health and safety issues - some essential tips.

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Other formats for GILIL

All genres and styles of music, art and literature can be promoted and delivered via the Get It Loud in Libraries format.

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Outcomes, facts and figures and evaluation

Some information on the impact of the Lancashire Libraries project, quotes, useful websites, video clips and media cuttings...

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For further information

If your are interested in staging a Get It Loud In Libraries event at a public library or want more details or advice from the MLA

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Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications.  Continue reading

  • Related links

  • PDF   Get It Loud In Libraries FAQ (PDF - 24 Kb)
  • vv brown

    VV Brown, who has written hits for Madonna and Sugababes, held two song writing classess at libraries in Lancashire.

  • morecambe library

    Hollywood actress, Juliette Lewis, gave a sell-out show at Morecambe Library. She is the latest in a line of impressive acts to perform as part of the Get it Loud project for Lancashire Libraries.

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