Google Ads on Library Websites?

Someone posted this query to the publib list yeserday:

I'm researching various e-fundraising techniques for use by libraries, 
and am wondering if anyone out there is raising money by putting Google 
search on their library websites.   Google offers a program called 
"Adsense" which delivers advertising targeted to what a user is 
searching for, then gives hosting sites a commission on any sales that 
result. 

I replied to him off list, and basically said it was a crummy idea. I shared what I know about LISNews's use of adsense:  Blake makes enough to cover maybe half his LISHost expenses.  We know that Blake mostly pays for it out of pocket, so no one minds the ads, and a VERY FEW click through (I think he said fewer than .15% (that's point one five, not fifteen).  I'm pretty sure that Blake gets way more hits per day than most library websites.  I think there's such small click-through because the ads become invisible.

My hunch, based on my feelings as a library patron and library worker, is that library website visitors would be put-off by being marketed to.  Or, rather, I would hope for that reaction. If you've read this blog long enough, you might remember that I can get pretty het-up about handing out coupons for chain restaurants as reading club premiums.  In an expansive mood, I can feel okay about cross promotion with locally owned businesses. But, I will never feel okay about using valuable library website space to promote a random array of for-profit endeavors, from research papers-for-purchase to online dating services.

My personal opinion aside, it just doesn't seem like a good trade off.  I also looked at this from a design standpoint. I do occassional freelance work in which I evaluate websites for content, layout and usability.  The library where I work has recently hired a webmaster who understands usability issues and values high quality design. Wouldn't an Adsense sidebar mess up a good design?  And, don't libraries want to use that space to market their services?  I also wonder how a library would claim their Adsense revenue....as profit? as donation?  Seems like it might be legally iffy.

Anyone out there doing this or some equivalent?  I've seen some recent posts elsewhere about "partnering" with metashopping sites, in which libraries get a small kickback if patrons shop online through the library website.  I'm just not a fan of these sorts of fundraisers, but would like to hear if anyone has had wild success and no patron complaints.

Comments

[Rebecca Hedreen]

As an experienced web user, I know I don't really look at anything that looks like an ad anymore. That attitude got me in trouble recently, as I was viewing a recently redesigned library homepage. I was fishing around trying to find something and getting more and more frustrated. Until I realised that the funky graphic sitting right in the middle of the page was the link I needed. I had scanned it and my subconscious said "Ad", so I ignored it.

And I think you're right, AdSense income would be very tricky for many libraries, especially ones funded by state and local governments.

There's also the question of ethics and being responsible for what appears on your site. What would happen if an academic library (or a public one, for that matter) ended up with an ad for an essay mill? Ugly.

[matbert]

Pimping for Google feels iffy. I'd get an opinion from an attorney like Phil Lenzini.

Having said that, my experience shows that getting boards to fundraise- in most libraries, in most situations- is damn near impossible. And as rewarding as pissing into a strong fan.

I'd say do it, check with the competition for a better deal, and click on that icon 'til you get carpal tunnel!