What do you think are the best ways to market your library’s fiction collection? Name and describe three ways you do or would like to market your library or your future library’s fiction. These can be tools, programs, services, displays-anything that you see as getting the word out.
I have worked in several of our branches and this is what they do. At our Central branch, because it is so large, the displays are at the entrance in the library in a separate room dedicated to show all new and current popular fiction books by authors or genres, plus all the new other genres for adults and children. Then at the actual fiction section, they have a similar display that patrons see as they enter that area. At the smaller branches, they have displays of all new books and they are divided by genres and the displays are located in a way, that patrons see them as they enter the building. I think this is very effective. I know that is the first place I check out when I go to the library for something new to read by my favorite authors. It is a quick browse and gives me some reference point, plus it gives me some ideas about trying something new to read.
Another great concept is to have staff picks and staff and patrons’ review of materials that they have read and to display the reviews on a current list by the reference desk. Not all people use our website, so to have a hard copy for them to have in hand would be ideal. I know I have read books, because of other peoples’ suggestions and I suggest books that I really like to patrons. People usually will take your advice on the materials you have read. Personal opinions are really valuable, especially when you see the same patrons frequently. I value theirs and the staff’s opinions rather than a professional one who is trying to sell the books.
I reviewed our library’s website. What they have is ideal to advertise new materials. There is a link showing ‘New Arrivals’ and ‘View New Titles’. They have an annotative book list and reviews of all materials online on the library’s website. They also have ‘Staff Picks’ and recently rated books, along with bestsellers. Another neat idea that they have is ‘in case you missed it’ which is great for patrons because there are just too many books to keep up with. Also, on the website, there are patrons and staff reviews of materials which are always current. After reading all the suggestions that Saricks had described, the library system that I belong to uses most of these suggestions to provide the best possible techniques to keep the patrons well informed about library materials on hand.
I am adding some more that I forgot I had wanted to write about...Atmosphere is very important. It would be nice to have 'comfy' furniture with the book displays nearby to invite patrons to sit and read. Also, the displays could have information letting people know that many of the books have been made into popular movies and they need to read the books to compare the storyline. I know I started to watch A Discovery of Witches and I had to wait for the next episode. I found out it was adapted from the book. I got a copy of the book and it is so much better than the show, which I am still watching to compare the two.
I am adding some more that I forgot I had wanted to write about...Atmosphere is very important. It would be nice to have 'comfy' furniture with the book displays nearby to invite patrons to sit and read. Also, the displays could have information letting people know that many of the books have been made into popular movies and they need to read the books to compare the storyline. I know I started to watch A Discovery of Witches and I had to wait for the next episode. I found out it was adapted from the book. I got a copy of the book and it is so much better than the show, which I am still watching to compare the two.
Saricks, J. (2005) Promoting and marketing readers’ advisory collections and services. In Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. Chicago: ALA. 136-160.
I think keeping reviews on the desk is a cool idea. I love reading short reviews before picking up a book to decide if it’s something I’d be interested in, so I think other people would like this suggestion as well.
ReplyDeleteWe have recently created staff bookmarks for a staff picks section. It's really worked out well. Patrons come to realize which staff members have the same taste as them and are always looking for their new picks.
ReplyDeleteComfy seating can definitely help sell books - especially if it's right next to some good displays or bookmarks! Great ideas and full points!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having staff picks out as a display, I think it would make someone who is unsure whether to read the book or not decide to pick it up. "What do you recommend?" is a frequent question at my library.
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