Week 15 Prompt

Week 15 Prompt

Although Saricks initially emphasizes the effectiveness of genre fiction categorization or genre marking on the book spines as a means to provide patrons with better access to materials (138), additional tools are necessary to mitigate the drawbacks of genre fiction categorization.  Through innovative use of the library’s webpage, readily accessible RA tools such as displays, and inviting patron/ staff interactions, RA services are convenient for patrons and effectively encourage use of the library’s fiction collection. 

Library’s Website

Patrons have readily available access to library events and materials through the library website, “Library websites serve as ‘the public face of the institution’ and provide extensive information and library services to patrons who never set foot into a physical branch… [and] serve as a resource for users who do patronize their community libraries in person, alerting them to the services, events, and resources that will be available to them when they visit,” (Burke 132).  By making RA services available online, libraries offer private, convenient and efficient RA services, (Burke 133).  Online use of RA services is non-invasive, more thorough, and promotes the contents of the collection by highlighting titles that may be disregarded, (Burke 133).  Using email and chat options, RA services can be personalized, in addition to the passive services of online book trailers, podcasts offering booktalks and online booklists, (Burke 133).  Burke’s study concluded that online library services are feasible and that patron interests are strongly supported when libraries implement, update and maximize their online presence, “Recreational readers want to talk about books, and many of them want to have those conversations online.  Shouldn’t public libraries join them? (Burke 142). 

Library’s Environment, Layout and Design (including displays)

For RA services to be effective in marketing the fiction collection, the RA librarian must be present and approachable.  Despite the array of RA tools available, Nann Hilyard contends that the RA librarian is an unmatched asset to patrons, “…’nothing can take the place of an intelligent and obliging assistant at the desk,” (19).  A simple sign inviting patrons to ask the librarian for book recommendations such as “Ask Here for a Good Book” encourages patron/ librarian interaction and establishes a welcoming environment (Saricks 137).

Ensuring patrons are comfortable while they browse the collection is essential and can be accomplished with an inviting greeting, easily readable book displays (not overwhelming) and better vision of low shelving “creates an atmosphere that underlines the importance of reading and is conducive to leisurely book selection,” (Saricks 137). Book displays should include a small group of books to easily attract patron interests and descriptive signs (Saricks 139).

https://prowritingaid.com/art/577/The-Best-Historical-Fiction-Books-of-All-Time.aspx

Saricks encourages displays such as “Good Books You May Have Missed” in an effort to attract reader attention to older, quality books (142).  This ongoing display includes a variety of genres and because book selection is shared by many staff members, new titles are added frequently.   Effective book displays speak to the patron moods and display themes aligned with patron interests (Saricks 142).  “Staff Picks” lists noted throughout the collection, gives readers easy access to their beloved librarians’ favorite materials.

https://education.library.ubc.ca/blog/new-dvd-staff-picks-and-recommended-dvd-guide-at-education-library/

Many display ideas can also be implemented on the library’s website, reaching both the virtual library patron in addition to the patrons visiting the physical library,

 

http://www.wakefieldlibrary.org/books-movies-more/book-buzz/staff-picks/

Cross-Training

Finally, implementing some successful tips from bookstores can assist the library in marketing their fiction collection.  In an interview with a Barnes and Nobles bookstore manager, Chris Ripple notes the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere for customers.  By cross-training staff wherein the café staff member can recommend a good mystery to the coffee-lover raving about a great read, invites customer/ staff interactions (Ripple).  Similarly, circulation staff members frequently talk with patrons as they enter, exit and check out materials.  Brief exchanges between circulation staff and patrons offer a friendly, easily accessible opportunity to discuss the books the patron is checking out or renewing, and perhaps offer additional titles of interest.  Confident staff will more likely greet patrons and enjoy brief book discussions periodically throughout their day.  Ripple reminds the reader that customers [patrons] who are greeted, feel more welcome and invited to ask questions (webjunction.org). 

Librarians enjoy a vast array of tools available to market their fiction collection.  By using passive and active, virtual and physical tools, libraries can effectively reach their diverse patron base.

Works Cited

Burke Susan K. and Molly Strothmann. “Adult Readers’ Advisory Services through Public Library Websites,” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 55, iss. 2, 2015.

Hilyard, Nann Blaine. “The Expanding Scope of Readers’ Advisory.”  Public Libraries, Jan/ Feb 2010.

Ripple, Chris. “What Libraries Can Learn from Bookstores,” Web Junction:  The Learning Place for Libraries. 21 March 2012, https://www.webjunction.org/documents/webjunction/What_Libraries_Can_Learn_from_Bookstores.html.  Accessed 16 March 2018.

Saricks, Joyce. “Promoting and Marketing Readers’ Advisory Collections and Services.  Readers’ Advisory Service in the Public Library.  ALA, 2005, pp. 136-160.