IVAN Library "Unique Selling Proposition"

I worked for ActionCoach for a few months in 2021 and learned the concept of the "Unique Selling Proposition." Basically, this is the answer to “Why does the world need this?” This question is particularly relevant to IVAN Library, due to the existence of public libraries. 

It is not IVAN Library’s intention to compete with the public library, only to supplement it. Therefore, IVAN Library focuses on services the public library can’t provide and/or patrons the public library can’t accommodate. A librarian employed by a parent institution is limited in the assistance they can provide. They can guide patrons to the resouce they need, but they cannot give any advice that would expose their parent institution to liability. Parent institutions are seen as having deep pockets, but your feral librarian has zero dollars.

Now, this is not enough to ensure I won't get sued. The other piece of the puzzle is that library patrons often ask for guidance in areas in which the librarian is not qualified to give advice, such as real estate, income tax, credit repair, and legal matters. A full decade before I went feral, I had resolved to make myself the BEST librarian by getting certified in all of these areas. So, I DO hold a real estate license, and am in the process of getting certified in tax preparation, credit repair, and legal research. Also, that flyer? I am two classes away from a Graphic Design degree, I can design it. The verbiage? I have a literature degree, I can write it.  

The third issue is that there will usually be such a high librarian-to-patron ratio that a non-feral librarian just does not have the time to provide the level of assistance a patron might require. If a patron comes in needing to make a flyer, the librarian can put them on a computer and show them what program to click, but she can't help with the writing or design. A feral librarian can help compose the text and images.

Finally, what if the patron just wants to pay the librarian to do the whole flyer for them? Or transcribe a recording? Or type a manuscript? A public librarian still does not have the time. Even if the patron offers to pay them, this does not replace that librarian on the floor. Your feral librarian will totally let you pay her to do your entire project. She will not be a party to plagiarism or academic dishonesty, but there are many situations where outsourcing content creation is perfectly fine.

Aside from advanced levels of assistance, another service unique to IVAN Library is our sponsored eBooks Program. For readers who can afford to purchase eBooks, do not usually re-read them, and miss the days they could donate print copies to their local public library; sponsored eBooks are an excellent compromise. Sponsored titles are routed directly to the sponsor, then remain in the Library's collection. 

Finally, what about Library programs? In addition to the programs-- such as Book Club-- that Jenny presents herself, she is also available to research, write, and/or create PowerPoints for any presentation on any topic, and can even fill in as a speaker.