Week 14 Prompt

     

Finding Fiction

There are several ways to market a library's fiction collection, and I think many of these can be done intentionally to meet the needs of the branch and the population it is serving. Based on my experience in a university library and a public library, I have found a few favorites that I enjoy implementing. I think the best ways to market a fiction collection is by using displays, creating book discussions, and utilizing bookmarks. 

The "Good Books You May Have Missed" display mentioned in the reading sounds like a great way to approach readers who might otherwise be overwhelmed by the number of possibilities (Saricks 2005, p. 140-143). I can see how selecting a few books and also displaying some with their covers facing the audience can attract readers. I love creating book displays and connecting with readers, and definitely am a fan of having easy access to these titles (unlike out locked display case above). There are so many themes you can create about different types of fiction work, or you can connect with the community by sharing some of the staff's favorite books (like the one above that I created). Keeping track of which items are checked out is a great way to see how circulation is doing, and to maybe identify other ways to improve circulation. Like the reading mentioned, it helps to be intentional about space in the branch as well. Just because your department has moved, does not mean you can still connect with readers by the circulation desk or other busy area (p. 143). 

Another great way to connect with readers is by providing book discussions. For those who have time to attend, and even thought who do not, it provides a good opportunity to stick to a scheduled list of titles. I have seen established book clubs that create their own reading list a year in advance based on the group desires, and I have also seen a book club pre-select titles for the members. It works very well to connect with local organizations to gain new members. Even before COVID-19, there were large book clubs in place that provided a list to readers to enjoy at their own pace. This is a great way to expose readers to new titles, authors, and ideas. It might reinvigorate a reader who did not make time to read previously, or had not found their favorite style of books. 

The last way to connect with readers is by using bookmarks. Although an annotated list is very appealing, they can oftentimes be a lot of work to create. I also wonder how willing some patrons might be to take it home. A bookmark, even with how small it can be, is a great way to spread the message of a program, or list of titles to read. It can easily slip into a book, a planner, or your pocket. You can easily list titles on one side, and place contact information on the other side. In theory it seems like there is so much more potential for the different lists you can create because instead of focusing on a larger group of 12-20 titles, you are focusing on 5-10 titles. 

I have seen a few library systems use social media to reach out to readers about what books they are reading, or if they are looking for another good read. I think this is a really fun idea for readers who use social media. It might not be the same in-depth discussion that a readers advisory session might take, but is a fun way to still connect with readers. 

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

ections and services. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. ALA. 136-160. [Files - Canvas]

. Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library. ALA