Librarians struggle with their job responsibilities and the additional pressure of continuing professional growth (CPD). They also experience budget restraints for professional development and a lack of top management support. Unfortunately, frequently CPD is tied into their annual assessment or part of their tenure process. Therefore, they are expected to demonstrate they have enhanced their knowledge or skills within the profession.
MicroLib would appeal to librarians across various sectors as they would be able to learn at their own pace. Using a microlearning app to deliver learning skills, librarians will be able to choose only what is most relevant to their job (Isibika et al. 2021, p.108). Furthermore, the content includes categories used for annual assessments and librarians that seek to upskill.
Another key selling point is librarians who want to switch career paths from school to higher education libraries. Unfortunately, library schools are supposed to lay the foundation to make career changes. However, they do not teach specific job skills. MicroLib is the tool that facilitates the career transition as it caters to all working environments.
Based on the research of other microlearning products and the overhead for developing MicroLib the packages will be priced at competitive rates. There will be four tiers which are as follows:
Free Plan- Limited access to app features. Will include featured ads such as before downloading videos or readings.
Basic Plan- Unlimited access to app features. Excluding one-on-one support and cloud storage space.
Premium- Access to all features including one-on-one support from SMEs and storage space in the cloud for downloads
Institutional or Professional Association-Subscription price is based on organizational size
The marketing strategy is to target the following areas:
Publicize at library conferences. Including renting a vendor a booth. Direct communication with potential clients increases the chances of buy-in. Though these events are our competition. Conferences are about sharing knowledge. This marketing strategy is an opportunity to network and sell our product.
Use social media platforms that are well known for the participation of librarians. Including LinkedIn, which has specific groups for librarians.
Pilot the product with an institution. We have reached out to some that seem interested at a discounted rate. Evidence-based is an excellent form of marketing.