You don't have to come up with new ideas every time you change out a book display or create a book list. Use the headlines from all of the marketing emails publishers send you as a jumping off point. Just take the basic idea and use what you have in your collection that is not moving and go from there.
As an example, Off the Shelf from Simon & Schuster offered these list ideas:
- 12 Addictive Reads You Can Finish in a Single Flight:
- 6 Upcoming Releases Everyone Will Be Talking About This Year
- 11 Books That Are Guaranteed Page Turners
For the first one, you can add audiobooks or links to your eAudiobook collection. The theme could be a car trip or a single evening/weekend. If you decide to go with upcoming releases, the library's holds/reserve list can be promoted. Add cover images from those titles you want to promote and include a QR code to your catalog where patrons can place a hold. Upcoming titles does not mean those titles that are guaranteed to be a bestseller. Work with your acquisitions librarians to find titles that could use a little more promotion. As always, readalikes from your backlist can be added. The concept of a page turner is very loose so add any and all genres. Get other library staff involved and dig into your backlist. Don't worry about if a book is perfectly described as a page turner. The idea is to market your collection by using face outs. No one will grade your display.
Every major publisher sends out promotional emails with lists of their backlist and new titles grouped in thematic lists. Borrow the idea, customize it to your collection and your community, and then go promote your collection!
