Posts Tagged ‘library’
Share with your network!
March 9th, 2010
by Carol
In this age of online social networking, it seems like everybody wants to stay connected and in the know. Social networking really isn’t new: people have depended on trusted family members, friends, neighbors or colleagues for centuries to help them keep up with the latest news and information. For people who like to take a leadership role in their own networks or communities, the FTC has got a myriad of free resources to share – in both the real world and the virtual one. 
For example, you can host an event to alert others to some practical ways to mitigate identity theft. The FTC’s toolkit, How to Plan & Host a ‘Protect Your Identity’ Day, can help you alert your network to how to minimize the risks and consequences of identity theft. The kit includes a video featuring identity theft victims telling their stories, a guide to talking about the crime, and tips to deter, detect and defend against it. The guide features sample materials, including a speech, presentation and templates for materials in English and Spanish. Suggestions for how to organize an event, reach out to partners and promote the event to your local media are included, as well. Consider hosting a “Protect Your Identity” Day in conjunction with your local library, house of worship, PTA or neighborhood association, and — or — posting the video and the Deter-Detect-Defend tips on your blog or website.
Order or download a copy of the ID Theft kit today.
Tags: community outreach, identity theft, library, outreach
Posted in Identity Theft and Privacy, NCPW | 5 Comments »
Libraries and the FTC — Check it out!
January 20th, 2010
by Carol
At the American Library Association’s conference last year, a delightfully enthusiastic gentleman was the first to approach the FTC’s exhibit, even before the hall officially opened. He cheerfully explained that he regularly uses FTC resources to help the patrons of his public library. I was flattered to learn that we were one of his “must see” stops (circled in red on the program). He carried off a load of free materials — and bricks of jazzy-looking bookmarks with tips about being a savvy consumer.
As my new friend at the ALA conference had discovered, the FTC and libraries are a great match. We’ve got free brochures, websites, videos and bookmarks — on consumer topics like credit, privacy and health — with information that can help meet your community’s needs and make your job a little easier.
Are you in Young Adult Services or a school library? Check out Net Cetera, a new booklet that covers the issues kids face online — social networking, cyberbullying, sexting and more. Or take a look at You Are Here our site that takes elementary and middle school kids on an experiential journ
ey through a shopping mall to teach them how to be smarter consumers.
Work in a public library? Host a “Protect your ID Day” with our identity theft education kit which has sample talking points, presentations, reference materials and tips to organize your own event. Or display brochures — or play videos — on mortgage foreclosure, annual credit reports, debt collection, or job scams. Cut and paste FTC content for your newsletters, use interactive quizzes in your programs, download buttons for your website, and order free copies of publications to hand out.
And don’t forget to stock up on those bookmarks!
Tags: community outreach, identity theft, kids, library
Posted in NCPW | No Comments »