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/