Convenience Environment in Library and Archives Service: Promotion Activities Evaluation in Pekanbaru

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed at explaining the implementation of promotional activities done by Library and Archives Service (BPA) of Pekanbaru City in increasing the number of visitors. This qualitative study was conducted to investigate the implementation of promotional activities, the obstacles often faced when a promotional event was implemented, and the attempts to overcome the challenges. Based on the result of the study, it was found out that BPA has conducted some library promotional activities since 2013 namely brochure distribution; online promotion in the website; handing out BPA stickers, merchandises, and tokens of appreciation; and designing Pekanbaru (digital library in hand). Some other promotional activities were a mobile library visit to elementary schools and crowded public places such as Car Free Day and the Great Mosque of An-Nur. The competition events ever conducted were elementary school level story-telling contest, kindergarten level coloring contest, and writing game via websites for elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school students throughout Pekanbaru City. The library also participated in the exhibition conducted by the Library and Archives Service of the Riau Province. Based on the interview result with authority in the service and promotion department, it was stated that the Pekanbaru society has started to get familiar to the existence of the Library and Archives Service (BPA) of Pekanbaru City. As the evidence, the number of visitors was increasing every year. On the other hand, the other obstacles faced by the institution were the limited human resources and the small supporting fund, and the policies which were slightly unsupportive to the service and promotion section.