Key points:
- Put music lovers and music loving volunteers at the front of the project
- Maximise the use of individual talents and skill sets
- Be passionate and lead by positive behaviour and body language
Now is the time to identify your team to support and spearhead your GILIL show. Build a team from your own library personnel, surrounding libraries and especially passionate local volunteers. Also remember the gig is showcasing the broader profile of the library so select personnel and individuals who will best market your work and create positive experiences.
Look for people who love music and pop culture! This sounds blindingly obvious but is often a point overlooked. It doesn't actually need to be the library manager, senior supervisor or major key holder who leads the team for the show. It could be the girl who only works one hour per week at weekends!
You can invite and involve young library users who love music by creating a Facebook or Myspace page - this is specifically for them so encourage ownership and illustrate the opportunities you are offering within the project.
The team reflects the GILIL project and maybe for non-users will be their only human insight into your library so be relaxed, friendly, confident and smile! GILIL is a great way to bring out and develop the best talents in staff and allow them to be presented in a non-standard way. Maybe one member of staff or volunteer is brilliant at graphic art -so let them produce promo posters for the shows. Someone else might be great at small details so put them in charge of budgets.
Before the show
GILIL is a team effort. Of course someone needs to lead but allow everyone equal importance on the team. Have a team meeting half an hour before the doors open to brief, identify and allocate key tasks and outline any possible challenges or problems ahead.
For example if it's a sold out show and you are expecting high numbers, ensure everyone is aware of the increased profile and the issues that can bring - increased use of the toilets, for instance. That might mean more signage is needed. But always keep it positive: remember this is a fun inclusive project.
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Photo credit: Holly Challen Read