WEEK 14 PROMPT RESPONSE (Marketing the Library's Fiction Collection)

     I think the best way to market the library’s fiction collection is to attack on all fronts; that means online, in the library with passive formats, and with active formats that build community discussion and engagement. 

      First, there are several ways libraries can use the OPAC or their website to promote pleasure reading but one particular avenue that I think the library should take advantage of is the ability to curate collections on any number of subjects, sub-genres, or formats on Overdrive. This could work for fiction or non-fiction, but evidence suggests e-book users are voracious fiction readers, making Overdrive a good arena to promote book suggestions. Librarians can check out Overdrive’s continually updated suggested lists to adapt for their own use. Of course, patrons cannot browse e-books the way they can the library’s shelves, much of our e-book collections can easily remain hidden. Curated lists can function much the same way a book display would in the library, but in virtual format. 

     Second, I believe book displays in the library should always be a feature of the landscape. Browsing patrons gravitate toward narrower selections that are more manageable to investigate fully. Saricks (2005) makes several excellent suggestions for display themes including “Good Books You May Have Missed” and “Books That Have Never Been Checked Out.” I particularly like these ideas because they specifically focus on titles that have been overlooked or forgotten but still deserve to find their reader. Ideally, book displays can tie-in with a list or bookmark so that patrons have something they can carry away with them and possibly reference in the future. I think book displays, when possible, should be located so they are one of the first things a patron sees on entering the library, immediately calling the patron to engage with the collection. I also think it would be simple and effective to include a sign with book displays that offers further readers’ advisory service such as “Still looking for a good book? Ask at the desk!” 

     Third, I would market the library’s fiction, and a love of talking about books, with one or more book discussion groups. Reading is a solitary activity that nevertheless lends itself to group bonding; talking out loud about a book you loved or hated is an excellent way to kick off conversations between community members that might not otherwise interact. Book discussion groups not only open the library as a social space and build community, but they motivate readers to try new titles. By including genre fiction or bestsellers in book clubs, the library showcases their belief that all types of reading have value and are supported at the library. 

 

REFERENCE:

Saricks, J. (2005) Promoting and marketing readers’ advisory collections and services.        Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. ALA. 136-160.

Comments

  1. Nicole ScurlockApril 24, 2021 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Abigail,

    It's funny … before working at the library, when I would come in as a patron, I would never browse the book displays. I always felt very "seen" when I would consider browsing displays, like people would associate me and my personal values with whatever the sign said. I was always happy to get lost in the stacks, where I felt like I had a little more privacy. As a librarian now, however, I love creating book displays, and I can see how useful they are for many people. I like your idea of creating curated collections on OverDrive, as I think it would appeal to patrons like me who would like to browse somewhat anonymously.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amanda WhiteApril 26, 2021 at 6:43 PM

    I also really liked Saricks' suggestion to showcase “Good Books You May Have Missed” and “Books That Have Never Been Checked Out” and I’ve started conversations with staff about implementing these recently. I think it will spark great discussions with patrons about what they were reading over the past few years and get those overlooked books circulating again!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Erin CataldiApril 28, 2021 at 1:32 PM

    Fantastic ideas! Full points!

    ReplyDelete

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