Here are some ways that I think work really well to market a library's fiction collection:
1: Displays-I don't think we can underestimate the power of a good display. My library has a display that is right by the main circulation desk. This display reminds me of the strategically placed candy shelves that line the checkout aisle and the grocery store. Both do an excellent job of making a person grab just one more thing before they leave.
2: Book Clubs- I think book clubs are a great way to market a library's fiction collection and grow new readers, especially book clubs that meet away from the library at breweries or coffee shops. Book clubs that have some special hook are effective at grabbing people's interest and can be unique to each library. For example, at my library the adult services staff are going to start a new book club called "Souper Readers" or something similar. Anyway, the idea is that at each book club meeting they will have some soup to snack on while they chat about the chosen book.
3: Book toks or Short Videos-I think we've all seen the power that tik tok booktok videos have had in bringing attention to books that were getting musty on library shelves, Colleen Hoover anyone? This isn't something my library currently does, but I do think its a great way to promote books and highlight titles in a library's collection. It's also a great way for library staff to share some of their favorites and connect with the library community.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI agree that book displays are a good source for marketing library collections to patrons because they are dependable; despite being commonplace, they remain effective in persuading readers to select new reads. I overlooked book clubs as a marketing technique, but you make a good point about book clubs that are of a niche interest being an effective tool for marketing collections. Although I do not have Tik Tok, I have heard about and seen booktoks online, and what I have viewed was interesting. With how much our society relies upon technology for work and entertainment, I believe this social media form can be a successful marketing tool.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI think having book clubs is a great idea. Too often displays and social media are the typical routes to go. Book toks are also a great idea, and depending on how popular the books are, this could give the library a chance to reach out for more fiction works to display.
Hey Mary! I also had the idea of creating BookToks. With TikTok being as popular as it is now, using this social media platform would be a great way to promote different fiction books from your library's collection. I know TikTok is where I get a lot of my own current book recommendations lol :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! I love the idea of the "Souper Readers" book club! Will the books chosen tie into the theme at all (e.g., food-focused cozy mysteries), or will they be random? Either way, this sounds like such a fun time.
ReplyDeleteFull points!
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