The Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you. This agency has worked with libraries for many years to distribute free materials and tips for consumers to help them avoid scams, recover from identity theft, and make wise buys.
The FTC is creating new materials especially for public librarians to use for patron advice and programming, and is seeking input from those out in the field during a brief listening session on Tuesday, September 19, at noon MDT. To RSVP and get the call-in number, email Carol Kando-Pineda at ckando@ftc.gov.
Please share this invitation with your staff and colleagues. You or they can get on the phone and tell the FTC what you think during the 15-minute listening session:
- What consumer topics are the most needed for patrons? Examples might include budgeting/money management, credit and debt, avoiding scams, or recovering from identity theft.
- What formats work best for your patrons? Examples might include bookmarks, brochures, short videos, webinars, podcasts, Facebook Live, Twitter chats, or other social media content.
- What formats work best for the librarian as they research the topic for a patron or put together programming? Examples might include an online list of links for a deeper dive on certain topics, a brochure, slide presentations, or podcasts.
The FTC welcomes other suggestions beyond what is suggested in the examples. Depending on response, additional time for discussion may be made available.
Can’t make a session? They would appreciate any thoughts, however brief, you have on this. Email Carol at ckando@ftc.gov with your thoughts or with any questions.