PITCH (HORROR)
Our library system is so large, plus the Central location is really spread out and overwhelming for our patrons. Per the results of a recent survey, the number of books checked out has greatly decreased, while our DVD collection has seen an enormous increase and continues on a steady rise. We need to meet the needs of our patrons in an inventive way.
Since the bookstore method of selling books uses a ‘comfy’ type of atmosphere with sofas and chair and coffee tables with displays of books nearby for the convenience of their customers to browse and read, we can go one step further. We can have this type of setting in some of our high traffic areas, knowing there will be a lot of patrons there. To promote ‘horror’ books, the displays would have a number of current DVDs which have either the movie or TV series along-side the books that were the original stories. For example, the Netflix series ‘The Magicians’ is a book written by Lev Grossman and AMC Premier TV channel has the series ‘The Discovery of Witches’ which also is a book based on the All Souls Trilogy written by Deborah Harkness. I am sure many patrons have no idea these movies were originally books, I know I didn’t. We could also have information on the display giving the library's Facebook page for information.
Also, this would be a great way to strike up a conversation with our patrons. We would be in a position to suggest books, DVDs, e-book, streaming... We can let them know, they do not have to wait on the series to end to find out the outcome of the store. All they have to do is check out the book and read it! Also, at that point we can tell them, the books are usually more descriptive and informative than the movies or shows and the books are free.
I could use my own personal experience. I started watching ‘the Discovery of Witches’ on AMC (for FREE) and I really liked the storyline. When I tried to get the next installment in the series, there was a requirement for a monthly $4.99 fee to see the rest. So, the next day, I requested the book at the library. This is a great selling point to promote books and patrons like to hear what we have to say because they think we are the experts when it comes to books and materials. They trust us.
I like your idea! I didn't even think to include the movie or TV series when I pitched my idea. However, I went the more mysterious route and made it like "blind date with a book", but made it "blind date with a monster". The only thing the readers will know is what kind of monster is in the story of the book. For example, if it were Dracula (going classic) it would say "Vampire" on the wrapped paper cover, and so on and so forth. However, I do think your idea is a perfect way to connect those people whom traditional watch film and bring them into the book world. That would certainly get my attention because I am book to movie monster. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Eugenie, Pairing books and movies/tv shows is always a sure hit, at least in my experience! I once did this with a Scooby Doo display for kids and it was the most popular display I ever did (items flew off the shelf!) Making it easier to strike up conversations with patrons about displayed items is a great goal to have. And it's a good point you make that patrons really do trust librarians to recommend books and other materials.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! Soo many patrons don't always know that the movie or tv show they love is based off a book and it can cause them to check something out they didn't even know existed. Full points!
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