Prompt Response- -Marketing for Public Libraries

Displays

            This is the most effective marketing strategy for librarians. Displays show the library’s collections, do not have to take up a large amount of space, encourage reading, represent the community, and can inspire a discussion about the library’s materials and services. Since patrons are now more visually-oriented a display may likely create that “first impression” of the library and what it has to offer (Saricks, 2005, 136). At my library there is a single large built-in display case located on the right side of the wall near the entrance which attracts patrons when they first walk inside the building. When the library’s books/materials are on exhibit they will likely get more awareness and higher circulation. I think the cover of a book definitely does matter when it’s being selected for a display. According to Saricks, a proper display includes 20-30 books and includes similar book lists and bookmarks (141-142). By having cross genres and multiple formats featured as part of the display this demonstrates the accessibility of the library so that users can browse through the collections to find similar titles. Every library should have at least one display for fiction and nonfiction. If it is successful it will appeal to patrons and they will visit the library more often.

Websites/Social Media

            Since more patrons have technology access and are using smartphones to search on the library catalog they might also want to look at the library’s website for reading options. Library blogs can include recommendations and quick summaries of titles. Having a library Facebook, Pinterest, and/or Twitter page is cost-effective and can show pictures of displays, book covers, new titles, links to articles about reading, upcoming booktalks, reading lists by genre, links to free audiobooks and eBooks sites, and other various online resources. For librarians this is a quick way to get feedback from patrons regarding their views on titles, authors, series, characters, etc. It shows that librarians are engaging and supportive of their patron’s reading habits and selections. By using social media the library lets patrons know that they are providing up-to-date information and many services to all patrons. The John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award is a great site for creative library marketing ideas.

Newsletters/Bookmarks

            There is no RA services desk at my library so most bookmarks/handouts/posters are available at the circulation desk. From the readings I see that adding readers’ advisory signage (I.e., “Not Sure What to Read? Ask Here”) lets patrons know they can communicate with librarians to discuss books (137). Newsletters can still be effective in promoting several types of Readers’ Advisory services. From the Carmel Clay Public Library Newsletter (available in both print and .pdf format), they recently offered an adult winter reading program to patrons with prizes as well as information on three upcoming book discussion groups. Bookmarks should include several titles/authors that are new to patrons when they decide what to read. For me, the design of the bookmark must entice readers so they won’t lose it or throw it away. I have seen few bookmarks that represent the non-fiction genre. Patrons trust that the librarian(s) have taken the time to research these books to select them as good reads.

           

 

References

Saricks, J. (2005) Promoting and marketing readers’ advisory collections and services. In Readers’ advisory service in the public library (pp. 136-160). Chicago: ALA.