Marketing a fiction collection can be done in many ways in a library. Use of technology with social media, using library space/book displays, and interacting with patrons in person are the best ways to market a fiction collection. I will highlight these three forms of marketing.
Technology
Almost everyone nowadays has some type of social media account. As librarians we would be remiss to neglect social media, as it is the way that people tend to communicate now. Facebook posts about new books in the collection, especially new books by new authors which are less likely to be in demand could draw in users. Pinterest and Instagram highlight the crafty, catchy beautiful side of life and librarians can take advantage of this to bring in patrons who use the social media outlets. Making use of Good Reads to write reviews about some of the books in your collection and posting those review on other social media is yet another way to draw in patrons to peruse the fiction collection. The use of technology to promote the fiction collection is nearly endless.
Library Space/Displays
Mostly libraries are have an abundance of shelves, walls, carts, and book displays. All of these are prime marketing spaces within the library. Starting with shelves, librarians have to opportunity to keep them neat and not too crowded. Shelves that are not overcrowded can be used to display at least one book with the cover facing out. Though people should not judge a book by its cover most do and placing a book facing out on the shelf gives it the opportunity to be looked at and picked up. The same opportunity is there with book carts and book displays. However, one cart dedicated to a book display can be themed to a certain genre with certain appeal factors being highlighted by a sign on the book display. Wall space is another handy way to market your collection. Creating or buying flyers and posters that highlight certain authors or genres can encourage patrons to browse your collection.
Talk to Your Patrons
We have mouths for a reason. Librarians who imagined that they would go sit at a desk and shush people all day or be able to avoid human contact have another thing coming! As librarians we have to talk to our patrons and promote our collection by word of mouth. Get to know your patrons and what they like. When they come in have suggestions in mind for them. This means you also have to get to know your collection and be on top of trends and well as what is not trending. This would be the true readers' advisory that our patrons are looking for when they are in search of a good read. One of the things that we have done recently is talked to our patrons and invited them to join this year's Pop Sugar Reading Challenge. The best way to market materials is by talking to our patrons. (Yes I saved the BEST for last.)
Technology
Almost everyone nowadays has some type of social media account. As librarians we would be remiss to neglect social media, as it is the way that people tend to communicate now. Facebook posts about new books in the collection, especially new books by new authors which are less likely to be in demand could draw in users. Pinterest and Instagram highlight the crafty, catchy beautiful side of life and librarians can take advantage of this to bring in patrons who use the social media outlets. Making use of Good Reads to write reviews about some of the books in your collection and posting those review on other social media is yet another way to draw in patrons to peruse the fiction collection. The use of technology to promote the fiction collection is nearly endless.
Library Space/Displays
Mostly libraries are have an abundance of shelves, walls, carts, and book displays. All of these are prime marketing spaces within the library. Starting with shelves, librarians have to opportunity to keep them neat and not too crowded. Shelves that are not overcrowded can be used to display at least one book with the cover facing out. Though people should not judge a book by its cover most do and placing a book facing out on the shelf gives it the opportunity to be looked at and picked up. The same opportunity is there with book carts and book displays. However, one cart dedicated to a book display can be themed to a certain genre with certain appeal factors being highlighted by a sign on the book display. Wall space is another handy way to market your collection. Creating or buying flyers and posters that highlight certain authors or genres can encourage patrons to browse your collection.
Talk to Your Patrons
We have mouths for a reason. Librarians who imagined that they would go sit at a desk and shush people all day or be able to avoid human contact have another thing coming! As librarians we have to talk to our patrons and promote our collection by word of mouth. Get to know your patrons and what they like. When they come in have suggestions in mind for them. This means you also have to get to know your collection and be on top of trends and well as what is not trending. This would be the true readers' advisory that our patrons are looking for when they are in search of a good read. One of the things that we have done recently is talked to our patrons and invited them to join this year's Pop Sugar Reading Challenge. The best way to market materials is by talking to our patrons. (Yes I saved the BEST for last.)
Great prompt response! You've got some innovative ideas that can definitely help! People always underestimate word of mouth, great point! Full points!
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