On Using Subject Headings for Book Displays

 I wanted to follow up on a question I received during the PLA webinar about passive readers advisory as a way to market your collection. Don't forget that books can be approached in a lot of ways. One way you can start is by looking at subject headings. You can search a lot of library catalogs by subject. They are often hyperlinked which makes it easy to search. 

If we look at the example in the last post, What Kind of Mother by Clay McLeod Chapman, here are the subject headings from the MARC record:

Missing children

Homecoming

Palmists

Father and child

Kidnapping

Man-woman relationships

Occult & Supernatural.

Horror fiction

Gothic fiction.

Thrillers (Fiction)

There are likely lots of titles on your shelves about kidnappings, homecomings, and missing children. 

If we look at the publisher's summary of the book:

Madi returns to her hometown and reconnects with an ex from high school, now known locally for his refusal to give up looking for his infant son who has been missing for years. As Madi gets drawn into the search, she begins to see visions that lead to disturbing revelations about the real story of the boy's disappearance"-- Provided by publisher.

After striking out on her own as a teen mom, Madi Price is forced to return to her hometown of Brandywine, Virginia, with her seventeen-year-old daughter. With nothing to her name, she scrapes together a living as a palm reader at the local farmers market. It's there that she connects with old high school flame Henry McCabe, now a reclusive local fisherman whose infant son, Skyler, went missing five years ago. Everyone in town is sure Skyler is dead, but when Madi reads Henry's palm, she's haunted by strange and disturbing visions that suggest otherwise. As she follows the thread of these visions, Madi discovers a terrifying nightmare waiting at the center of the labyrinth--and it's coming for everyone she holds dear.

There are more that can be pulled out: 

Reconnecting with an ex

Visions

Teen mothers

High school flames/sweethearts

This is before we dive into the setting or the fact there are crabs a'plenty in this book.

Never forget that there are many ways to approach the same book and when you are assembling as display, don't trap yourself into thinking that you don't have enough of a certain kind of book. You can be liberal without you interpret a book or a theme. 

I mentioned that I turned haunted houses into "Not So Happy Home" and included suspense novels about bad marriages, abusive relationships, and even added non-fiction about home repair. 

I hope this helps! 

Book Display Idea Using One Book - What Kind of Mother by Clay McLeod Chapman

 As we are about to enter spooky season, I thought I would put up a quick post about using one of this season's most anticipated horror titles, What Kind of Mother by Clay McLeod Chapman. The idea is to show how you can assemble these book displays in a variety of ways. Books can become book friends by pairing them together using different approaches. There isn't one answer. 

 This book is about parental grief, hometowns, and being haunted by the past. It's also a southern gothic folk horror book with a healthy dose of body horror. The sense of dread and overall creepiness builds as book progresses. Fans of domestic suspense who are open to some horror will love this book. 

The plot? From the publisher's (Quirk Books) website: 

After striking out on her own as a teen mom, Madi Price is forced to return to her hometown of Brandywine, Virginia, with her seventeen-year-old daughter. With nothing to her name, she scrapes together a living as a palm reader at the local farmers market.

It’s at the market that she reconnects with her high school boyfriend Henry McCabe, now a reclusive local fisherman whose infant son, Skyler, went missing five years ago. Everyone in town is sure Skyler is dead, but when Madi reads Henry’s palm, she’s haunted by strange and disturbing visions that suggest otherwise. As she follows the thread of these visions, Madi discovers a terrifying monster waiting at the center of the labyrinth—and it’s coming for everyone she holds dear.

The easiest display would be to grab what titles from Chapman's backlist you have and add other horror published in August - October and create a "New Horror for Spooky Season" display or list. But let's look at some other options. You can always include some suspense and thrillers in with horror if you need to fill it in. 

The book takes place in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay region. A display tying together other authors from the region would be fun. Travel, regional travelogues, and history books could also be used. You could expand to coastal or beachy towns in general. Find suspense and horror with that setting. 

If you peruse the author's social media accounts, you will quickly learn that crabs are part of the story. Creepy marine animals are another way to pair this book with other titles. It could be expanded to include animal horror in general. Displays should draw attention to your backlist titles; don't worry about being too precise. 

On Goodreads, readers have labeled this book as gothic and Southern Gothic. Other Southern Gothic horror novels, would make for a great display. There are a number of authors from the American South creating great horror and suspense. 

The idea of parental grief is also present in the book. Look through your collection and find fiction and non-fiction titles on parenting, issues with parenting, childhood issues and so forth. You can use the title of the book as inspiration while you search your catalog. 

Don't forget to put up information about your hold/reserve service as well as any eBook collections where you have the title. Use the display to market your services, never assuming that the patrons know about all of them!.

Using Passive Readers Advisory to Market Your Collection -Links

If you are visiting from today's PLA webinar, Using Passive Readers Advisory to Market Your Collection, welcome! 

Here are all of the links from today's presentation:

https://www.gibsonsbookstore.com/

https://horror.org/category/seers-table/

https://raforallhorror.blogspot.com/

https://simmonslis.libguides.com/NontradWesterns

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1350633061/1911579069

http://diverse-romance.com/

https://bookriot.com/queer-historical-romances/

https://indypl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1953821989/2039340739

https://bookriot.com/books-like-lord-of-the-rings/

https://ppld.org/sites/default/files/readinglists/epicfantasy.pdf

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/best-fantasy-books-novels-series

https://www.briankeene.com/store

https://beverlyjenkins.net/books/

http://www.ala.org/rusa/sites/ala.org.rusa/files/content/sections/codes/section/rusacodes2013formbasedreadersadv.pdf

https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/authors-and-books/your-next-5-books

https://libguides.fau.edu/freeresources/readers-advisory

https://www.nypl.org/collections/nypl-recommendations/lists

https://concordnh.gov/1350/Reading-Recommendations

Book Display/List Help - National Hispanic Heritage Month

 National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 every year. According to the many US government agencies who take part "It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latin[e] Americans." Every year a theme is chosen for the month. This year it is: Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.

Regardless of where your library, it's a great way to showcase some of your backlist and remind patrons of the authors and books they may have missed. In addition to fiction, you can display non-fiction like travel, cooking, and history. Remember that your patrons are as curious as you are so don't decide in advance that they won't be interested 

For your social media, blogs, and online lists, here are some links you can use. Remember to vet any site before you suggest it to your patrons.  

• One thing you can do is curate a page of virtual tours and exhibits for your patrons. They can also be used by local groups and agencies in your area. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America has a page up which includes a link to a 360º virtual tour of La Casa Azul, Freda Kahlo's former home. The National Museum of the American Latino also has some virtual exhibits . The Museum of Latin American Art has virtual exhibits on their homepage. There are other museums and sites with virtual tours through Hispanic countries.
• The US government has a website which serves as a main hub for all of the various government agencies' content. You can break out the content from the various sites as you wish. Included are everything from the Census to the National Park Service to the Smithsonian. 
• This is 2021's list but don't forget to include links to sites like GLAAD's which celebrate the Hispanic/Latine LGBTQ community. 
• PBS has information on all of their programs and  documentaries that they recommend you watch for more information on Hispanic heritage, history, and culture. They have added some new documentaries for this year. 
• For younger patrons, teachers, and homeschoolers you can include things like the activitites and lessons on the National Education Association's webpage for Hispanic Heritage Month. 
• Remember to check your local schools, colleges, and universities. Many will put up information online or will advertise events during this time.
• Always include links and information about whatever events your local community including local government has scheduled. If you don't know where to easily find them, this is a great time to gather links to where that information can be found for future use. 
  
• If you have local restaurants, chefs or community organizations willing to help, you can post a suggested list of recipes for to try. 

Book Lists are part of what you will want to include. For some ideas: 

The Seattle Public Library has a list of recent non-fiction. 
The Horror Writers Association has a series of blog posts for the month. 
Boston University has a list of 25 titles, including YA and graphic novels. 
Los Angeles Times - 11 Books to Read During Hispanic Heritage Month
Arapahoe Libraries has a list of Latino Authors to Read
Goodreads has a list of Hispanic Authors Books. 
Bookriot - 8 Hispanic and Latine YA Authors You Should Definitely Read
Goodreads - Latinx YA Books
School Library Journal - 26 Must-Have Latinx YA Books Filled with Romance, History, and Magical Realism
Reading Middle Grade -31 Best Latino Middle-Grade and Chapter Books
Palo Alto City Library - Middle Grade Books: Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month

Book display / List Help - International Crime Fiction/ Crime Fiction in Translation

Crime fiction is very popular but lists and displays often have the same best selling authors on them. You could likely name 5-10 of those authors easily if asked. One way to dig into your backlist and help patrons find series and authors new to them is to look at crime fiction in translation or international crime fiction. 

The Petrona Award -Awarded to the Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year

The award is open to crime fiction in translation, either written by a Scandinavian author or set in Scandinavia and published in the UK in the previous calendar year.

Dagger for Crime Fiction in Translation - The Crime Writers' Association Dagger Award

This award is for crime novels (defined by the broadest definition to include thrillers, suspense novels and spy fiction) as long as the book was not originally written in English and has been translated into English for UK publication during the judging period. 

Translated Crime Fiction Books - Goodreads

Lawrence Picks: Best Mysteries Translated Into English, recommendations from the Mystery Book Club - Lawrence Public Library

International Crime Fiction - Crime Reads

4 Different Styles of Mystery Novels From Around the World- Book Riot

Australian Noir and the Best Australian Crime Fiction - Book Riot

Akashic Book's Noir Series - Many of these are set in international cities. Each book comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the respective city.

Irish Book Awards - includes a Crime Fiction Book of the Year category

Ned Kelly Awards - Australian Crime Writers Association

10 Thrilling African Noir Novels -Publishers Weekly

A Beginners Guide to African Crime Fiction - Crime Reads

Latin American Crime Fiction Books- Goodreads

Japanese Mystery/Detective/Crime Fiction Translated Into English - Goodreads

The new Scandi noir? The Korean writers reinventing the thriller - The Guardian

September Book Display Ideas

September is a big month for library celebrations! It is Library Card Signup Month which makes for easy active programming and in-house promotion. Don't forget to reach out to those people in your area who don't use the library but who would be interested in your digital services including eBooks and eAudiobooks. As always, don't assume that everyone knows they can checkout digital titles from their libraries; not everyone knows about our collections and services. 

The theme of the official ALA merchandise is Elemental - a Disney/Pixar film. You can tie the theme of that movie into online booklists and book displays. Fire, water, land, and air could each become a separate display for youth and adults. Interpret the theme broadly - titles can include one of those words or the theme can be included more broadly in the book or movie. The goal is to market your collection's backlist. No one will be grading you. 

Ask  patrons if they would like to have their pictures taken with a larger version of your library card and have a picture posted with the card and their favorite book. It is likely to be a backlist title. It also creates a greater sense of belonging to the library. You can even go out to events in your community in September and promote library card signup with that giant card. Get local community, business, and civic leaders to pose with the card for your blog and/or social media. 

Passive programming ideas would include asking patrons to write a few words about why they appreciate their library card. You can set up a wall display to post their answers or include them on your social media. 

Other events in September and ideas for book lists/displays include:

Labor day: Youth and adult fiction and non-fiction about working, working life, and workers. Books about career change, career improvement, and different kinds of jobs. 
History of Labor Day - US Department of Labor
Popular Work Related Books - Goodreads
Top 10 Novels About Office Jobs - The Guardian
The Grit of the Grind: 5 Novels About Work - Book Riot
Labor Books - Goodreads
There is Power in a Union: Fiction and Non-fiction About the Labor Movement: The Seattle Public Library
11 Novels Starring Essential Workers: Electric Literature

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: Youth and adult fiction about Judaism, Jewish history, and the holidays themselves. Books about Jewish cooking. Fiction by Jewish authors. 
Kids Books for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur - New York Public Library 
11 Rosh Hashanah Books for Children - Book Riot
Popular Yom Kippur Books - Goodreads
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Books for Children: Jewish Book Council
Reading Lists - Jewish Book Council
6+ Books to Teach You About Judiasm (So Your Jewish Friends Don't Have To): Book Riot
High Holy Days - A Guide to Religious Observances - Brandeis University
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - University of Denver

Mawlid: Youth and adult fiction and non-fiction titles about Islam and Islamic history. Fiction by Muslim authors
Birthday of the Prophet: Mawlid al-Nabi - The Pluralism Project, Harvard University
Islam Books - Goodreads
6 of the Best Islamic History Books - Book Riot
Council of American-Islamic Relations
Fiction by Muslim Authors - San Francisco Public Library
Muslim Authors in Adult Fiction, Memoirs, Poetry and Graphic Novels: Madison Public Library
Picture books by Muslim Authors: Ypsilanti Public Library

Equinox: Youth and adult fiction about autumn/fall. Books and movies about neopaganism and the holiday as a pagan holiday. You can use general books about witchcraft, paganism, and tarot to fill the display. Don't forget urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and horror with those themes. 

Hispanic Heritage Month: Search your youth and adult collection for titles by Hispanic authors. It's a good time to analyze your collection for titles by these authors and add some if you have difficulties finding enough for a display. You can also add non-fiction and DVDs about those countries to the displays/lists. 
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month With Books for All Ages - New York Public Library
Hispanic Heritage Month Books- Goodreads
Board Books and More: Hispanic Heritage- Colorín Colorado
National Hispanic Heritage Month  - US Government site with information from various agencies including the Library of Congress
Introduction to Latinx Heritage in Horror 2022 - Horror Writers Association
10 Delightful Romances by Latinx Authors - Chicago Public Library
12 Latine SFF Books You Definitely Should Read - Book Riot

9/2 World Beard Day: Find backlist titles with bearded folks on the cover. Book displays can be as simple as this. Setting up this display can be delegated to any library worker. (I usually leave up these kinds of displays for at least the week with the holiday in them.)

9/6 Read a book day:  I save book displays about reading/libraries/bookstores for days like this. You could also set up a "read-in" in your library. Use a meeting room and encourage patrons to drop in and read for awhile in your building. Add a passive program allowing patrons to post a note with their favorite book on a wall in your building. 

9/12 National Video Game Day:  Youth and adult fiction and non-fiction about video games, video game characters, and the history of video games. Movies about video games. 
20 Must Read Novels Based On or Inspired By Video Games - Book Riot
Books for Teen Gamers - Boston Public Library
10 Books About Gaming History That Gamers Will Love - Screen Rant
Books About Video Games and Virtual Reality - Goodreads

9/19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day: Youth and adult fiction and non-fiction about pirates and pirate history. Use the theme broadly and don't worry how accurate they are. Include movies as well. 

9/12-23 National Indoor Plant week: Non-fiction books about plant care. Youth and adult fiction about plants including horror and science fiction titles. You could do a display of books with nice images of plants on the cover. Plants have become the new pets for a lot of people. 

9/17-23 Tolkien Week: While books by Tolkien may be what first comes to mind, use the week to promote readalikes by authors your patrons may not have heard of. Check your non-fiction collection for books about Tolkien and Middle Earth to promote. Don't forget your DVD collection.
 15 Books Like Lord of the Rings - Book Riot
14 Books to Read if You Love The Lord of the Rings - Epic Reads (YA Blog from Harper Collins)
Leave Middle Earth for these ‘Lord of the Rings’ Read-Alikes- School Library Journal
Read-Alikes for The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power - Halifax Public Libraries

I hope these suggestions are helpful. I've added links with booklists and information about the some of the various celebrations. There are lists from various publishers but I mostly didn't use them. They are fairly easy to find. 

If you can't find a particular title in your collection and your library uses NoveList, check for readalikes there. Also, remember to include information about your digital collections on book displays. Not every patrons knows about that. 

October is spooky season so be ready! 

Find Inspiration in Book Store Displays

 Libraries aren't the only places to find great book displays and book lists. Independent book stores often have staff who are passionate about the books they love and clever at coming up with compelling book displays that put the focus on getting great books faced out so their customers can discover them. Take a look at your local indie bookstore or check out the websites and social media accounts of stores across the country. See how they use humor and unexpected combinations to promote and market the books in their stores. Give them credit if you borrow their ideas and include details about how your patrons can find them. 

One of my favorites is Gibson's Bookstore in Concord, NH. You can view their displays on their Instagram account for some inspiration. Their displays are book focused, clever, and memorable. One of their more genius ideas is that their past displays and curated book lists are available on their website. If a customer saw a title on a display but missed it, they can check these lists and find what they were looking for. They also have a great podcast with curated lists of the books they talk about. 

Tombolo Books in St Petersburg, FL has a number of book lists on the homepage, including an updated list of their weekly bestsellers. Beyond the NYT best sellers that you may have listed on your website or OPAC, showing patrons what's popular in your library might also be interesting for book lovers. Tombolo also hosts a number of book clubs and archives past reads so that people who have an interest in a particular topic or genre can find their next great read. Tombolo has a page devoted to staff picks. Finding someone with your taste in books can be a great way to learn about hidden gems.

Finally, there is Chicago's own Exile in Bookville. Like Tombolo, they offer a staff picks page with a lot of great backlist titles. Their past events page includes links to related books which can be a huge benefit to someone who missed an event or heard about one and is interested in the books discussed. Their page that focuses on preorders may not seem applicable for libraries but highlighting upcoming books and encouraging holds can generate interest in titles that patrons may not have heard about. It is also a way to remind patrons about your holds list. Don't forget your eBook and eAudiobook collections. 

Take time to visit your local indie bookstore and develop a relationship with them. Librarians and booksellers are natural allies!