Week 15 Prompt Response: Getting the Word Out

Prompt:  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 thought there were lots of great ideas in this week’s readings.  I think it’s very important to be proactive about readers’ advisory.  While I do sometimes have people ask me what to read next, it’s more common for a patron to browse the stacks.  I think having displays, bookmarks, and programming to promote readers’ advisory services is a good way to let people they can always ask for help in finding a book (or other material) to enjoy.

1) Programming

This Saturday, May 2, is national FREE Comic Book Day.  We are having an all day celebration to promote our graphic novel collection and to let people know we have graphic novels and appreciate graphic novel readers.  We will be giving away 100 free comic books provided by Buy Me Toys, have several comic book characters wandering around the library, have a table set up where people can make super hero cuffs, and have drawing contest.  After the library closes at 1:00, we are showing Marvel’s The Avengers which should be popular as the next Avengers movie opens next week. 

2) Displays and bookmarks

I think book displays are a good way to get great books in to the hands of readers who might not have searched them out.  We choose a subject and gather some books that work with the subject (such as soup books when it’s cold outside).  I really liked Sarick’s (2005) idea for the “great books you may have missed” cart.  This would be an awesome way to display some great books that my otherwise be overlooked.  At EPL we have a display entitled “what you were reading last year” which is very popular.  We also try to keep bookmarks with alternatives for people who enjoyed the current favorite titles and are looking for another book to read. 

3) Social Media

I appreciated Nann Hilyard’s thoughts on using social media for more than just announcing programs.  Static content, such as programming schedules can become boring, but personal items engage the reader.  We regularly post what the staff is reading.  Our blogger asks staff to send titles that they are currently reading.  If possible, we also include short reviews.  For those who read the blog, this helps them connect with staff, and also promotes our collection.  I think it would be a good idea for those who don’t regularly read our blog to have display of “staff reads” with books we have been reading.  This would promote the materials, and also encourage those who may not have discovered it to try reading our blog. 

Marketing our services is SO important.  There are so many wonderful opportunities at the public library that people don't even know about.  Mango Languages is available through our database subscriptions for all library card holders.  Since "Pirate" is one of the languages you can learn, every year on "Dress Like a Pirate Day" in September, we all dress and talk like pirates to promote Mango Languages.  I really do love my job!