Prompt #9: Promoting Fiction Collections

Public libraries have a duty to our community members to provide books and other resources for their entertainment and education. We have dedicated librarians whose job is to build up our collections, always researching new titles, authors, trends, etc. After all of the research, purchasing, and cataloging has been completed, how do we get the word out to our patrons about these great collections we have developed with them in mind? There are a number of marketing tools that public libraries can use to make their patrons aware of the library’s collections including, but not limited to, displays, flyers, social media posts, and programs. Utilizing these tools can help bring more patrons into our library to discover books that can help inspire a love of reading.

One of the most popular ways that librarians can promote their fiction collections is using displays and bulletin boards. This technique is so popular because it works. Patrons come into the library and a fun display can catch their eye and draw them into checking out some titles that they might not have considered, or even known existed, before. These displays can adhere to appeals that many readers enjoy, such as mysteries, love stories, or humorous titles. They can also correlate to the season, holiday, or other event that readers may enjoy. Some libraries have done what I call “secret” displays to entice readers to try a new genre such as Blind Date with a Book where the book/title is covered and the reader can choose a book based on a small summary or a list of appeals. This approach creates intrigue and patrons enjoy the interactive nature. When creating displays, the most important thing to keep in mind is quality. Saricks (2005) reminds librarians that “readers grow to trust the quality of the books we put on display, so we make a point of selecting them carefully (p. 142).” We must be careful to suggest quality books (whether it be ones that we have personally read or that come recommended from a credible source) so that readers can have faith that our suggestions are good. If we pull any title off the shelf that has similar appeals and they do not meet reader expectations, the displays will lose their credibility and ultimately not promote the fiction collection in the best way possible.

Many librarians also utilize programming such as book talks and book discussions/clubs to promote the fiction section. Book talks are primarily targeted for children or tweens, but there is merit in promoting adult fiction collections through this tool. Baker (2011) writes, “Story-rich programs and book talks for adults provide the same kind of entertainment, mental stretching, and learning experience for adults (p. 234).” Adults can learn about new (at least to them) titles that the library’s fiction collection has. In addition, hosting book discussions/clubs encourages readers to read new titles and discuss them with fellow community members. I attended one book club where a participant indicated that she was not excited to read that month’s selection because it didn’t sound like one that would keep her interest, but ended up loving the title and asked for more by the same author. Programs like book talks and book discussion groups/clubs are a valuable resource for librarians when trying to promote their collections because it allows readers a chance to get acquainted with titles they may not have known existed.

In this time of social distancing and beyond, librarians will need to promote their adult fiction collections virtually, through the use of their websites and social media. Many libraries have begun to post daily or weekly about the new titles added to their collection. Right now, as libraries are shut down, many of the posts feature new e-books that the library has purchased, but after the pandemic and libraries are once again inviting patrons into our buildings, this practice of promoting the collection via social media. Dankowksi (2013) writes about the social media presence that the New York Public Library has implemented and indicated that “...[social media] serve as a point of entry for customer service.” These posts allow patrons to view the collection remotely and entice them to come into the library to check out a title that they saw online or browse the fiction section for more suggestions. Today, more people are interacting with businesses virtually and librarians can take advantage of this trend by promoting their collections online both via their website and social media. This tool may bring patrons into the library and its fiction collection that otherwise wouldn’t have entered the library just to browse. It can serve as an outreach to non-users of the library within the community.

Reading has started to take a backseat in people’s busy lives, so librarians must think outside of the box to promote their fiction collection. They can utilize tools, resources, and techniques such as displays, programs, handouts, and an online presence to bring readers into the collection. While all of these choices have merit, what is most important for librarians to remember as they are promoting their collections is that they have to show enthusiasm themselves for the material, provide quality suggestions, and have a working knowledge of their collection in order to have a successful promotion campaign.

Resources:

Baker, J. (2011). Booktalking for adult audiences. Reference & user services quarterly, 49(3): 234-238.

Dankowski, T. (2013). How libraries are using social media. Retrieved from https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/07/16/how-libraries-are-using-social-media/

Saricks, J. (2005). Promoting and marketing readers’ advisory collections and services. Readers’ advisory service in the public library. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.