What does focusing on books look like day-to-day? Small things -- like quickly moving recently returned new materials out of the workroom so they are available to patrons, even if they cannot be re-shelved immediately -- contribute to a focus on getting books into the hands of patrons, but three of the most important efforts are:
Roving -
Regularly getting out from behind the desk, greeting patrons and asking if they would like help finding a particular book, (or magazine, or DVD) often results in patrons responding that they are just browsing, but sometimes it does elicit a, "well since you asked I heard about a book I'm interested in but can't remember the title." Also I may ask a patron if they'd like some help on several different visits and get the "just browsing" response. Then, one day, they'll approach me and ask for help tracking down a title or for a recommendation. Talking to patrons about books, without disturbing those who like to browse in peace, identifies staff as readers' advisors and not just fixers of machines, collectors of fines, and enforcers of rules.
Displays -
Earlier this week I heard two patrons asking one another, "where did that go?" I asked if I could help and they asked where the Staff Picks display was. Unfortunately, I had to tell them it had been replaced by a gardening display. They were polite but clearly disappointed, noting that "you are the ones that know what's good."
While we do topical and seasonal displays, over the past year we have increased display space for new materials. We are fortunate to have a large table devoted to new fiction, and another "recent bestsellers" table for popular titles from the past year. Our regulars routinely make these tables their first stop to see what's new and available and even patrons new to our branch can hardly miss this giant display table and often at least glance at its contents. From observation (the table is across from the service desk) and anecdotes, I believe this regular display often results in patrons picking up a couple extra books on their way into or out of the branch.
Book Group -
Several community book clubs meet in our facility monthly, so instead of creating another book club, we hold a monthly book group centered on a half dozen or so book talks prepared by staff and a listing of other recommendations. Over nearly two years the monthly program has remained popular, averaging about 20 attendees each month year around. After staff present their titles, patrons are encouraged to share what they've been reading. We talk about new books, upcoming titles from popular authors, older titles that others may be unfamiliar with, books made into movies, and a number of other topics all of which lead to most of them leaving with an armful of books. Although we stress this is a casual (no "assigned" book to read each month) book group, several members routinely keep me updated on their travel plans so I don't think they've become disinterested if they miss a month, and ask me to email the handout and a list of titles recommended by fellow patrons. Clearly they have come to rely on these monthly discussions for ideas of what to read next.
Overall, as with so many library topics, specific services need to be tailored to the particular library's community. For our branch, regular displays, a readers' advisory focused book group, and approachable staff ready and willing to talk about books have proven successful in marketing fiction.
Wow, great ideas! You sound like a large library with a lot of room. That has to help a lot with being able to display and promote. I have to say that at our small, rural library, our book club is by far the best attended adult program. We have a core group and often the attendees have moved on to other titles by a well-liked author they've read as part of the bookclub, which helps with circulation. In a way, word-of-mouth can be one of the best marketing tools for a library, so I agree with just getting the books put out for patrons as soon at they reach their street date is important. A lot of patronage comes just by a friend or family recommendation!!
ReplyDeleteRoving seems to encourage many patrons to ask us questions as well. While patrons may be hesitant to seek out a librarian to ask questions or ask for book suggestions, being in the stacks seems to make a difference. I also really like your book group idea. Book talks in the schools always seem to generate interest in new titles, but the students need to remember the names of the books when they next visit the library. The advantage of your book group is that patrons are already in the library. Great ideas, Mary Ann!.
ReplyDeleteI really like your discussion on promoting fiction simply by talking to patrons. That's something that we do every day, yet sometimes don't realize how important it is. Unless the patron is really in a hurry, I always try to start a conversation with patrons, particularly if I have read one of the books they are checking out, or am familiar with the author. I feels great when patrons are excited and want to talk about their books. It's a great way to introduce them to new books and learn more about different genres and authors ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds like you work in a library really devoted to reader's advisory!It's a great idea to have an "unassigned" book club. Awesome!
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