Since I’m in charge of changing out book displays 4 times
this year, I chose to promote Romance novels via a display, but plan to sway a bit from the
norm. The book displays in our library are 4 tiered glass displays that are
partitioned into three sections. Usually these displays have a single theme and
one type of media (example: horror – all regular print books.) I decided to
make it a little more interactive, using each of the three partitions for a
different type of romance, with the headings "If you Like..." at the top of each section. Like this:
On each shelf in each category, I would display the book, book
CD, movie, etc. that we have for that particular title, along with a 3x5 flyer
(that the patron can take with them) that lists the types of media that we have (in case the one the patron wants is checked out, they know we have it and can put it on
hold) along with info on how to download eBooks. I would also include
read-alikes on the flyer.
An example of a 3x5 flyer for the Romantic Comedy Section
might look like this:
Putting three different types of romance novels on the
display may encourage someone who has had their fill of sentimental romances to
move on to something funny or suspenseful (or similarly, from comedy to
sentimental or suspense, etc.) They still get that romance element, but they
get to explore a variation of the genre that they may enjoy just as much, if
not more.
As for cross-promoting various medias, I’m someone who likes
to check out the audiobook and the hard copy (or eBook) of a book at the same time. I can
listen to the audiobook while driving, and pick up where I left off in the hard
copy for leisure reading before bed. It helps me get through books faster and
I’m never really without a book! Cross-promoting books this way may prompt that
person who is just in to use the computer and “doesn’t have time to read” to actually pick up an audiobook – or
BOTH. Either way, it's a potential increase in circ stats!
Dear Shawn,
ReplyDeleteI think that you did a great job at creating specific displays for the romance genre. I’m glad that you divided the romance genre into subgenres among your displays, since the romance genre is complicated and involves crossovers from other genres. I also appreciated your idea of having patrons switch from one subgenre of romance to another if they became tired of one particular subgenre. I felt that this idea was a creative aspect of your triangle displays and encouraged patrons to enjoy and read the romance genre in a more comprehensive manner by displaying different varieties of romance books. The detailed amount of description within the flyers also seems to be appropriate for library users.
In addition, I agree with you and believe that it’s fairly intelligent to cross-promote books by utilizing both the audiobook copy and the hardcover copy of a book. In fact, your argument for cross-promoting books is a fantastic way for encouraging libraries to purchase other materials besides regular hardcover novels. Audiobooks can be useful outside of listening to materials on long trips if they are used in conjunction with regular hardcover novels.
I wonder why you wanted to promote romance through an actual triangle display for the romance genre. While it seems fairly clever and creative to associate the displays with the conceptual aspect of a love triangle, love triangles can be a melodramatic aspect of a basic narrative, especially when the love triangle is forced into the plot. Nearly anyone knows that the love triangle from the Twilight series is a notorious example of a love triangle. Personally, this love triangle is baneful to examine in detail, since it is strongly emphasized in the novels. I would consider that love triangles should be a secondary aspect of novels; characterization and plot should be at the forefront of a novel. So, you could try to find another way of advertising for the romance genre.
Hi Megan,
DeleteI probably wouldn't actually use the "Love Triangle" for the title of the display - I was just using it as a title for the blog since I'm using three different types of romance genres. Just a play on words. : )
Very detailed! I love it! You are giving patrons different perspectives of a single genre to let them know that it is not all the same. I did something similar with horror reads where I gave people options of three different types of horror novels.
ReplyDeleteYour first image made me think of a cool idea. What if you had that same image with a spinner attached, and you asked people to "spin and try something new?" You could even have a wheel with multiple genres and people spun to see what they'd get. You could have bookmarks with each genre, and on each would have popular and newer titles listed.
Hi Carter,
DeleteI love the spinner idea! I'm a big fan of props of any sort, so this is right up my alley. Thanks for the suggestion!
Great prompt response! I love the little cards that have all available formats as well as readalikes and a QR code, what an excellent tool! I am jealous of your triangle display as well. That certainly sounds fun to dress up. Full points on this great idea!
ReplyDelete