Branding in the United Kingdom public library service

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of branding activity in the UK public library service.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of branding literature was undertaken. The primary research was conducted over a four‐week period and consisted of a questionnaire survey distributed to heads of services in order to gain data regarding branding of the service.

Findings

The research indicated that heads of service do give consideration to branding in their marketing plans. Branding properly planned and developed may be one way in which the public library service can raise its image and allow employees to take ownership of the service.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the time element involved in the gathering of data responses were not as high as previously anticipated.

Practical implications

A good insight into the application of branding in the UK public library sector which would interest practitioners and academics alike.

Originality/value

Contributes to the domain of knowledge which is weak in the area of branding in libraries.

Citation

Hood, D. and Henderson, K. (2005), "Branding in the United Kingdom public library service", New Library World, Vol. 106 No. 1/2, pp. 16-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800510575320