In the book,
“Readers’ advisory in the public library”, Joyce Saricks devotes an entire
chapter to Promoting and Marketing
Readers’ Advisory Collections and Services. The information provides many
ideas and suggestions in how to promote the collection to the patrons.
1. Making the collection appealing to
browse and find material is crucial to marketing and promotion. The books
should be in good condition, the shelves should appear orderly and be well
labeled. Location sign should be easily visible and conveniently placed. If the
library is fortunate enough to have readers’ advisory services available, that
area should be comfortable enough for a chat with a patron to assist them in
finding a book to read. A sign and bookmark indicating the readers’ advisory services
placed around the stacks and in the library will allow patrons to feel more
comfortable when requesting services.
2. Displays are a low-maintenance way to
market any collection, theme, author, or subject in the collection. Displays
can vary in size, but where there is space, there can be a book promotion. In
the stacks, books can be faced outwards and displayed when room permits. They
can be on end-caps, a table or even on book trucks. Patrons enjoy the
suggestions and it is important to make sure to fill the display as soon as
possible. A simple sign can grab attention and let the books speak for themselves.
3. Bookmarks and book lists can be
created to suggest titles and authors to the public. These items will be more
time consuming in creation, but will then last as long as needed. Bookmarks can
list popular books or authors, suggestions of similar books, especially when there
are holds, or even release dates of books to come. Book lists can be compiled
on any topic and can be used to suggest books to patrons or available as
passive readers’ advisory.
I think that simply talking to patrons is a great way to
promote any material; fiction, non-fiction, movies or anything else. If a patron looks like they are looking for something, ask
them. They will gladly let you know whether they would like assistance or are
happily browsing. Taking care of the collection, keeping it current and well
organized will help the collection to circulate and offering readers’ advisory
services in person or through passive methods only can strengthen the library's offerings.
References
Saricks, J. G, & Brown, N. (2009). Readers' advisory service in the public library.Chicago: American Library Association.
I never thought of something as simple as talking to patrons about books as marketing, but you are right it really is. I was trying to think of these big, elaborate, cool ways to market collections, but the way you said it makes it sound so simple and easy. I think most patrons prefer just having a conversation about what they are reading as well. Good job with this!
ReplyDeleteGoing along with your first point Laurie, I think that having shelves that appear full without being too full is important. I've heard that shelves that are 2/3's full are most attractive to the greater number of patrons. While that is not always possible, a properly weeded collection could be seen as a marketing technique.
ReplyDeleteThank you for noting the importance of shelf browsing aesthetics, having orderly & well-labeled shelves seems elementary, though I have seen some sloppy arrangement in a few libraries. Too true...
ReplyDeleteI am adding my thoughts about making the collection appealing to browse. Good point! Also, the human interaction is so important. Sometimes just commenting on a book as I check it out to a patron prompts a really great conversation and is a good chance to recommend other titles, and learn about some as well.
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