Week 15 Prompt: Marketing your library's fiction collection

 Hi y'all, 

All these marketing techniques not only promote collections and patron participation but also showcase the library's resources. One of my favorite ways to market the collection is through displays. I mostly do it with the Young Adult section, but I also do some for the DVD section. Displays can be about different things and can tie into other things the library does. Recently, a big display for my library was a gardening display featuring nonfiction books. It is tied to the Earth Day display that the Children's section had displayed. Now, it's on the staff picks, mainly adult or young adult books, since the display area is in the general area. However, it can also reflect National Heritage Months or important holidays. Displays can reflect other fun things that are going on, such as the library will be doing a Bridgeton theme for the upcoming release. Last year, I showcased YA books with male main characters in April. I called it "Raining Men" with coworkers. It was only through books facing outward on the shelf, but patrons still liked the visual of the books. 

Something that I'm excited to explore is the Aspen update that my library will be getting in the upcoming months. It has a feature that allows users to explore virtual "displays." Books featuring common themes or aspects, like BIPCO authors or slasher horror books, can now be showcased online. It will also allow users to see the different formats we have them in, such as ebooks, audiobooks, or physical books. 

A popular program that showcases the library's collection is bookclubs. The book is included in the collection, and while the additional books are brought in either from a service or other libraries, the club can show the connection's diversity and the library's ability to gather multiples of the same book. Bookclubs are not just limited to one genre or age group but can be designed for all patrons. My library, for instance, has a Middle-Grade Bookworms (BookClub) and a Horror bookclub. It also presents the opportunity for patrons to choose the next round of books. That way, patrons feel they contributed to the library and its programs. It also allows for consistency for the patrons since bookclubs typically have a set schedule, such as monthly or every session. Another very popular program is March Book Madness. It allows patrons to vote for their favorite book. It sparks healthy debate and competition amongst the patrons. It also promotes active participation since most votes were weekly. 

References

Quinn, J. (2009). Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Piatkus. 

Vernon Township Public Library. (2024). Bookworms middle grade book club. https://www.vtpl.lib.in.us/event/bookworms-middle-grade-book-club-5/

Week 14 Prompt: Collection Management Committee

Hi y'all

Let's talk shelving. Shelving is different in each library, not only in how books are separated but also in how they are cataloged. In most libraries, books are relatively separated by age groups: children, youths, young adults, and adults. The sections may include middle grades, juveniles, young adults, or new adults. Beyond age separations, the books are separated by genre, typically fiction, graphic fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction. If the library has enough space and money, they can be separated by other genres, such as urban fiction and LGBTQ fiction. 

The prompt asks me to consider myself part of the collection management committee and whether or not to separate LGBTQ fiction and Urban fiction from the general collection. There are some base factors to consider when discussing expanding or separating the existing collection. Does the library have the space and budget to do so? And not always in that order. If you have the space, you can search the budget for the money. You may ask why we need money when we are just moving existing material? Well each section typically is allocated so much money. Does that mean these new sections are taken from the previous sections' allotment? If so, are you basing that amount on popularity or need? And now, this is space to consider. How much of the last section is going to this new space? How will you display this space so the patron knows that Urban Fiction and LGBTQ fiction are on their own now? Also, is this for each age group? Do they each get a new display area, or would you just put every book that falls under this category together? Which, just saying, would probably cause trouble or confusion putting all age groups together. 

That was a lot of hypothetical questions. Hypothetically, let's say the library has the space and the money to support the separation. I would still disagree with separating the genres from the general collection. Separating the sections has potential benefits and disadvantages. According to Kara Yorio and Kathy Ishizuka (2018), "Shelving separately might make it easier for students and patrons to find those books, but the "othering" creates a problem" (par.7) Some might feel like it's amazing to easily identify and celebrate these genres on their own, however, I think it would feel more separate than together. "Sins Bishop argues that books can serve as mirrors that reflect the world of the readers, windows that offer readers glimpses of another world, or sliding glass doors that allow readers to enter into and become immersed in someone else's reality" (Schofield & Sullivan, 2021, p.24). I agree completely with this quote! Another favorite quote of mine, this one by Stephen King, "books are a uniquely portable magic." Books have the power to influence people's opinions or enrich their lives; however, separating books can also lead to more stiff reading. Browsing the whole collection offers more choices and the opportunity to read a book that a reader wouldn't have discovered otherwise. Authors may write in different genres, exposing the readers to new ideas or concepts. By separating the genres, the readers may feel more wary of trying the books. 

Also, separating genres outright is a big change for the community, for some, it would expose books that they are not comfortable with. Being comfortable is not necessarily a reason why not to do something, especially when change is required for the betterment of the whole community, but it is something to acknowledge. According to Laurel Tarulli (2018), "Whether you work in a small library, special library, or large public library, the demand for this collection and the information it provides is growing. It's also an opportunity for conversations. Frequently, there are groups of teens gathered in the library talking about these books, and recommending others that they are reading" (p. 250). Books featuring LGBTQ fiction and Urban Fiction should be celebrated and talked about! They involve some of the most magical and engaging storylines in recent decades! Heartstoppers, by Alice Oseman, comes to mind.  

While I wouldn't vote to separate the genres, I would suggest different ways to highlight them. Genre stickers are a great way to showcase different features while still keeping the collection together. It's typically done for fantasy, horror, western, or romance books, so using a sticker to highlight LGBTQ fiction and Urban Fiction can show that the library places just as much emphasis on them. Finally, each community is different, and librarians, as well as their communities, have to accurately reflect their community's needs and desires. If this is something that the community wants, then it's the library's responsibility to consider their opinion. To quiet nay-sayers, surveys can be sent out to the community to cage their reactions. A vital factor to remember when doing these surveys is that adolescents' responses have to be considered. Guardians might disapprove of creating an LGBTQ fiction section or an Urban Fiction section based on the concept that it's inappropriate, while adolescents desperately want a section focusing on these genres.

References

Oseman, A. (2018). Heartstopper: Volume 1. Selfpublished. 

Schofield, J., & Sullivan, M. (2021). Diverse books in all book clubs: Making the case for selection criteria. Public Libraries, 60(4), 22–27. 

Tarulli, L. (2018). Gender, sexuality, and identity in fiction: Suggesting new titles to make all readers feel like they belong. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 57(4), 248–250. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.4.6701 

Yorio, K., & Ishizuka, K. (2018, October 26). Shelving debate: To separate or integrate?. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/shelving-debate-separate-or-integrate. 

Young Adult Annotations: The Isles of the Gods

 The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman

"Sometimes, if I'm tired enough, push my body hard enough, I can stop thinking, stop feeling, and just be" (Kaufman, 2023, p. 1). 

"When we were young, and the priests told us tales about the heroes of old, they always seemed so noble. None of them were scared, or angry, or uncertain" (Kaufman, 2023, p. 2). 

Author: Amie Kaufman

Publication Date: 2023

Number of Pages: 464

Edition: Hardcover

Geographical Setting: (fictional settings) Crescent Sea, Isles of the Gods, Mellacea, Alinor

Time Period: (estimated based on realistic history) 1650s-1730s

Plot Summary: 

Sally is a sailor in training who is desperate to reunite with her father before the north seas become impassable. Otherwise, she'll be forced to train another year with a captain that hates her. All her escape plans are foiled by a mischievous prince with the most detailed magician's marks on his arms. He's tasked with preventing a war that would destroy a 500-year-old peace. And he's already a year late. 

Can Sally and her crew safely transport Prince Leander to the Isles of the Gods?  Can Leander finally accomplish his duty and save the world? Or will sinister forces desperate to rewake their god and reclaim glory for their homeland destroy all their plans?

Subject Heading: 

Fantasy, Pirates, Adventures, Young Adult

Young Adult Appeals

Age

"Main character is age 13-19, typically around age 16 or 17; Focuses on high school or early college experiences; middle school and young teens are often less represented" (Jensen, 2022). 

Sally is around 17 years old and is training under a captain to gain more experience before earning her own ship. This is basically her early college or trade school. The other point-of-views are all teens or young adults on the older side of the age requirement, such as those aged 16-19. 

Theme

"Focuses on 'coming of age,' 'firsts' and deep questioning; teen protagonists are navigating who they are and who they want to be and navigating the developmental stage of defining self; firsts often include first love" (Jensen, 2022). 

While all the characters are going through a developmental phase, Leander is most confronted with it. He has to decide whether or not he's ready to be what the world needs him to be. Also, his past decisions are constantly affecting his present, as well as everyone else's, which he has to recognize to move forward. He has always used his charms and nonchalant attitude to define himself, but now his royal duty demands his attention. His actions from here on forward will determine how the world sees him. 

Style

"YA fiction tends to be 'in the moment' and faster paced' YA isn't necessarily shorter in page numbers, but it uses words more efficiently to create that faster pace; often told in present tense and third or first person point of view" (Jensen, 2022). 

As an adventure format, the book is fast-paced and propelled by the characters' actions or inactions. The multiple POVs make the story go even faster since it jumps from place to place as well as forward in time. One such scene is a sea battle that spans several chapters because every character's perspective is shown with each side of the fight, and the reader processes the experience at a faster rate. 

3 terms that best describe this book:

Duty-focused, sea-adventure, ancient gods

Young Adult Read-Alikes: 

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Ross, R. (2023). Divine rivals. Wednesday Books.

Common Appeals: 

Historical Fiction, Ancient Gods, Multiple POVs

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Ibañes, I. (2023). What the river knows. Wednesday Books.  

Common Appeals:

Dangerous Race, Magic, Adventure

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Levenseller, T. (2017). Daughter of the pirate king. Feiwel and Friends.  

Common Appeals:

High Seas, Romance, Women take the lead

References

Ibañes, I. (2023). What the river knows. Wednesday Books.

Jensen, K. (2022, March 21). What makes a book a YA novel? A discussion of what ya is, and what it isn’t. Teen Librarian Toolbox. https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2022/03/21/what-makes-a-book-a-ya-novel-a-discussion-of-what-ya-is-and-what-it-isnt/.

Kaufman, A. (2023). The isles of the gods. Knopf Books for Young Readers. 

Levenseller, T. (2017). Daughter of the pirate king. Feiwel and Friends. 

Ross, R. (2023). Divine rivals. Wednesday Books.

Week 13 Prompt: YA books for adults

 Hi y'all

Young Adult is one of my favorite genres/formats, even as an adult. Personally, I label Young Adult as a genre because it has its own set of rules or standards like any other genre. It often features a main character (or several main characters) facing a crisis in their world while typically trying to establish their place in the world. This may mean they are searching for a purpose, reestablishing their world after the concept is destroyed, or fighting to keep their world together. The character must also be a teen or close to it, typically between 15 to 19 years of age. 

One of the main reasons why adults do not want to or feel like they cannot read Young Adult books is that it does not fit into their demographics or, in this case, their age group. As a society, we are so concerned about sticking to what society dictates as appropriate to do, and that's why graphic novels have not been considered "real" books for decades. It's also why adults think they have to read in their age group because Young Adult books are too juvenile (this is a paraphrase from a conversation I once had with a patron about reading a Young Adult book.) 

Young Adult books range in topics, with nothing off limits, and the characters have the wonderful opportunity to make mistakes and then correct them (Leavitt, 2014, par. 2). In my opinion, the storylines are more flexible and emotionally connectable. Adult readers can look back and connect with the characters' journey to understand their place in the world as well as finding their voice (The Book Break, 2024). They are great at teaching life lessons or inspiring people to face their fears, like Graceling, which teaches its readers that you don't have to be what society tells you to be. You aren't defined by a concept of society but by the choices you make. 

Finally, I would argue that Young Adult books are entertaining! Their settings, characters, and storylines are fun and engaging. Not only fantasy or science fiction, which has some of the best worldbuilders out there, but also some great contemporary novels. For a wonderful worldbuilder, Eragon immediately comes to mind. Authors are fearless about bringing their personal experiences to enrich the books, such as their cultures, backgrounds, or family histories. By being courageous, the readers connect more with the materials and will remember the story longer. 

For any holdouts, I would end with any reference libraian fallout topic: movies or TV shows. People do not feel guilty about watching movies and TV shows. Some great movies in the last decade were based off of YA books like Hunger Games, Twilight, or Fault in Our Stars. I would then ask if they have watched any young adult movies and enjoyed them. If so, why wouldn't you read the book and not enjoy it? (The book is always better.)

References

The Book Break. (2024). Why adults can and should read young adult fiction. The Book Break. https://thebookbreak.com/2021/02/11/why-adults-can-and-should-read-young-adult-fiction/#:~:text=Young%20Adult%20Books%20Teach%20Us%20About%20Life&text=I%27d%20actually%20argue%20that,follow%20what%20people%20tell%20you. 

Cashore, K. (2008). Graceling. Harcourt. 

Leavitt, J. (2014, November 24). Should adults read ya?. Shelf Talker. https://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=14484 

Paolini, C. (2005). Eragon. Alfred A. Knopf. 

Non-fiction Reader's Advisory Matrix

 

Pumpkin Crafting by Editors of Thunder Bay Press

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

    Highly fact based (has few or no narrative moments)

What is the subject of the book?

    Pumpkin painting and crazing designs

What type of book is it?

    How-toos

Articulate Appeal

    It reads really fast, certain sections based on what the reader is looking for may take longer. 

    The description focuses on pumpkins. The other is on the designer (the reader). 

    Fun and exciting. 

    The book's intent is to teach readers about different pumpkin design elements, such as painting and craving. 

    It includes some great pictures of creative pumpkin designs. The instructions are clear and precise, along with multiple step-by-step instructions. 

    The language is important since it describes how to do something. 

    The setting is not that important. The focus is more on the subject matter, while the setting is a blank canvas. 

    Lots of details about painting instructions and tools for carving small sections and what type of paint to use. 

    There are lots of pictures. They are clear and useful on what to do. 

    It stresses learning and experiences because it focuses on learning new material and taking previous experiences to accomplish tasks and design elements. 

Why would a reader enjoy this book? 

1. Learning/experiencing     2. Detail    3. Tone

NonFiction Annotations: Pirate Queens

 

Pirate Queens by Leigh Lewis, Sara Gomez Woolley (Illustrator)

"Of marauding men at sea, many books have told the tale. But of all the pirates in all the world, the most FEARSOME were FEMALE..." (Lewis, 2022, p. 6). 

"This book is a reminder that women have made their mark in every area throughout time, even when it wasn't documented. It's reclaiming of space for ladies who have too long been written out of history" (Lewis, 2022, p. 9). 

Author: Leigh Lewis

Illustrator: Sara Gomez Woolley 

Publication Date: 2022

Number of Pages: 64

Edition: Hardcover

Geographical Setting: Caribbean Sea, Irish Sea, Ireland, Morccorro, Norway, Greece, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Pacific Sea

Time Period: ca 520-460 B.C, 400-420, 1485-1561, 1530-1603, 1702-1782, 1775-1844

Plot Summary: 

Six pirate queens who dominated the sea and the land are explored in this beautifully illustrated book, which spans centuries in a short novella. These women refused to let social rules dictate their lives and found freedom on the high seas. It even explores the most proficient pirate in history: Ching Shih. She had a fleet of 80,000 men and women, while Blackbeard only had a fleet of 800. 

Each women's section begins with a beautiful illustration of the pirate queen about to be explored. The description section then starts with a verse about their career as pirates, whether that means a sonnet or a haiku. Their history is explored, with the main focus being their pirate career, but it also includes their marital status and significant factors in their life. Historical artifacts related to the women are shown and explained as well. 

Subject Heading: 

NonFiction, Pirates, Women Studies, Young Adult

NonFiction Appeals

The Adventure Genre

"These story-centered accounts focus on the details of exotic places and the tribulations of a journey, making them excellent suggestions for Adventure readers" (Wyatt, 2017, p. 22). 

Pirate Queens spans centuries and focuses on different locations around the globe. It makes each section a new and exciting place to explore, especially since each location has different political and social expectations. The illustrations bring each section alive with the depth and color of the pirate queen's life. 

Poetry

"These story-centered accounts focus on the details of exotic places and the tribulations of a journey, making them excellent suggestions for Adventure readers" (Wyatt, 2017, p. 23). 

Each section begins with a type of poetry, easy rhymes that can be memorized for each historic woman. It's a great way to summarize their lives as pirates, which included adventure, war, and travel. It's a short but memorable way to describe the main conflict in their lives while also personalizing it to each woman. 

Illustrated Books

"These story-centered accounts focus on the details of exotic places and the tribulations of a journey, making them excellent suggestions for Adventure readers" (Wyatt, 2017, p.161). 

Adventure and travel are better understood with some type of visual effect, such as illustrations that depict an important scene or person. The illustrations allow the readers to create a story in their heads and move the story to a more in-depth story. Pirate queens and their lives are not only described but shown through the illustrations and historical artifacts. 

3 terms that best describe this book:

Women-power, historical illustrations, informative

NonFiction Read-Alikes: 

Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space by Libby Jackson

Jackson, L. (2018). Galaxy girls: 50 amazing stories of women in space. Harper Design. 

Common Appeals: 

Feminism, Colorful illustrations, Young Adults

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen

Shen, A. (2016). Bad girls throughout history: 100 remarkable women who changed the world. Chronicle Books. 

Common Appeals:

Powerful Women, International, Adversity

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu

Bagieu, P. (2018). Brazen: rebel ladies who rocked the world. First Second. 

Common Appeals:

Rebel Women, Biography, Spirit

References

Bagieu, P. (2018). Brazen: rebel ladies who rocked the world. First Second.

Jackson, L. (2018). Galaxy girls: 50 amazing stories of women in space. Harper Design.

Lewis, L. (2022). Pirate queens: Dauntless women who dared to rule the high seas. National Geographic Kids. 

Shen, A. (2016). Bad girls throughout history: 100 remarkable women who changed the world. Chronicle Books.

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction (3rd ed.). American Library Association.

Fantasy Annotations: The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall

 

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall

"That you look like a sunrise after a decade of darkness" (Hall, 2023, p. 175). 

"I might live in the middle of the city, but my flat didn't know it. Plants covered every surface, kept alive by the magic that surrounded me" (Hall, 2023, p. 9). 

Author: Linsey Hall

Title: The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic

Publication Date: 2023

Number of Pages: 327

Edition: Kindle

Geographical Setting: Charming Cove (a fictional location), Cornish Coast

Time Period: 2023 (Modern Times)

Plot Summary: 

Aria is a witch, but one with wonky magic. It's always getting her in trouble by exploding things around her, such as a Bridezalle's wedding cake and her job prospects. Luckily, her grandmother comes around with an offer to come home and save her whole town. All she has to do is win a magical compensation against some old enemies, including one devilishly handsome billionaire mage, Callan Hawthorne. 

Even if her magic was somewhat agreeable, could she win against her old bullies and the next magical messiah, a.k.a. Callan? There's a lot of baggage there, but what really matters is saving her family's business. With the help of her grandmother and her best friend, Tabitha, Aria might win this competition and finally show everyone that she belongs in Charming Cove. 

Subject Heading: 

Fantasy, Witches, Chick Lit, Paranormal Romance

Fantasy Appeals

Definition 

"Fantasy novels explore magical worlds" (Wyatt, 2017, p.123). 

Aria is one of the more apparent signs of magic: a witch. Yet, like Harry Potter, her world also inhibits the world with magicless people who have no idea that magic is all around them. Her world contains magical creatures, casters, and plants, such as a magical plant Aria hunts for: Xyanthia. 

Characteristics of Fantasy

"Detailed settings depict another world, often located on Earth, but almost always set out-of-time, in past times, or invisible to most people. Magic frames the story" (Wyatt, 2017, p.124). 

Aria enters a magical competition to win a magical greenhouse that houses some of the world's most potent and rare magical plants. To win it, she'll have to face magical trials that test her character and abilities. While her world is magical, it is also in the "regular" world. 

Storyline 

"Readers enjoy these books because they tell a great yarn, a rich story full of complications, excitement, danger, loss, and triumph" (Wyatt, 2017, p.126). 

Aria goes through magical trials while dealing with emotional baggage from her past and her future. It has the danger of loss both for her and her close friends and family. Her success will affect multiple people, and her failure will destroy her future. The story unfolds as emotions are unpacked and trials are completed. 

3 terms that best describe this book: sweet, encouraging, self-power

Fantasy Read-Alikes: 

The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan

Morgan, S. (2023). The witch is back. Harlequin Feature. 

Common Appeals: 

Witches, Green Magic, Paranormal Romance

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

Cabot, M. (2023). Enchanted to meet you. Avon. 

Common Appeals: 

Small Town, Self-discovery, sweet romance

Witch of Wild Things by Raguel Vasquez Gilliland

Gilliland, R.V. (2023). Witch of wild things. Berkley. 

Common Appeals: 

Magical Realism, Plant Magic, hometown homecoming

References

Cabot, M. (2023). Enchanted to meet you. Avon. 

Hall, L. (2023). The modern girl's guide to magic. Bonnie Doon Press. 

Gilliland, R.V. (2023). Witch of wild things. Berkley. 

Morgan, S. (2023). The witch is back. Harlequin Feature.

Wyatt, N., & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The readers' advisory guide to genre fiction (3rd ed.). American Library Association.