Bibliographic instruction:A public relations perspective

Initiating a bibliographic instruction program, maintaining interest, and sustaining that interest over an extended period of time requires careful planning and thorough organization. A well- run public relations effort can mean the difference between success and failure. This paper explores the public relations demands placed on health science librarians seeking to initiate, improve or expand a bibliographic instruction program. The initial step will be to define public relations. Secondly, the role of communications in the public relations process will be analyzed. Finally, a variety of promotional techniques will be presented. Each is designed to facilitate long-term user support for bibliographic instruction.