The main point for a display in these organisations is to encourage people to read but with different reasons behind them:
The library wants patrons to borrow their books and use their services, which keeps them alive and a vital part of the community.
The bookstore wants their customers to purchase their books - which also keeps them alive!
There are so many different types of material produced, it's hard to know where to start....looking on pinterest there was an incredible array of images. What a great excuse to spend some time on pinterest!
Some of the most common items which bookstores and libraries produce as promotional material are :
- personalised bookmarks
- flyers
- posters
- newsletters
- stickers
- book bags / totes
- key chains
I found a company (based in America I think) called JanWay who are 'Librarians' #1 Choice Custom Printed Fundraising and Promotional Items'. They produce all of those items, plus more.
Websites:
Winnipeg Public Library http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/.The home page is FULL of links. Links to search their catalogue; to look up current events; facebook; blogs; twitter; dvd's; movies; when I clicked on the 'events' link, there is a calendar with details of all the events they hold, and there are a lot! The minimum on a weekday was 6! With the ability to search by age group, type of event, presenter, I can see that it is a very interactive site.
Canberra Public Library http://www.library.act.gov.au/ . This was an interesting page - when I reduced the size of the screen, the menu automatically changed to read down instead of across - as if I was on a smaller device (ipad, phone, etc.). The links on the home page were very helpful, with the ability to do everything from reading the latest newsletter; book a computer; check the catalogue to looking up how to join the library, make a payment or of course, 'how do I'. Always useful. You can also look at the latest survey from book clubs, COOL Awards (Canberra's Own Outstanding List Awards) - for Aussie Childrens books. They also recommend books for purchase.You can follow the library online, with news and information posted regularly via Facebook, or via RSS feed. They have regular programs and special events, all posted on the website, with a variety of holiday activities, story time, guest presenters, etc.
Southwater Library http://www.telford.gov.uk/libraries . This library website is not a stand-alone site, it is part of the council website. There are (again) many links to enable patrons to see what is going on in the community, the library catalogue, opening hours, different services offered - at the library itself but also from the council. There is a lot of community information links on this page, and also the ability to vote on the page itself - a great idea. You can download forms, look at the news, renew/reserve items. It is about the library, but it is more than that too. If I lived locally, I would definitely use this site.
Dymocks www.dymocks.com.au has a scrolling tab at the top of their site, which I imagine would change according to the season - at the moment it has 1. 25% off our best 50 biographies 2. YA suggestions 3. Gifts for Dad for Fathers Day and 4. Get your kids on the path to reading. Gets you thinking - then you can click to find your local store; meet the staff; read about their past. And then come the books.... from the new releases, to the bestsellers, to the favourites, after which you can see the most popular searches - using clever images as links. Then you have the 'News' where you can join up to gain rewards. Overall, this is a commercial site, created to gain book sales. It's not like looking at a library website.
Abe Books www.abebooks.com is an International bookseller. The top quarter of their website looks like a library catalogue, where you can enter the Author, Title, Keyword or ISBN and click the red 'Find Book' button, or there is also an advanced 'More Search Options' where you have more refinements. Other than that, they offer a 30 day refund policy, which will always make people buy with more confidence. They have a sidebar where you can choose from the ten most popular subjects (or browse all subjects). There are many options to choose from - you can click on brand new books, cheap textbooks, etc. And for interested collectors, you can look at what were the most expensive books sold in July - rare book sales. Great for an insight into what it's like to have enough money to splurge! They do also have discount books for us mere mortals. The bottom tab is full of great links too - and of course there are links to social media too.
The Book Depository www.bookdepository.com . I have to admit, I am a regular customer here. The website is well organised, and you can have fun with the interactive map on the right-hand side, where the latest sales show. And of course, the best selling point - NO delivery charges. With a 'bargain shop' (up to 50% off) to entice you in, the bestsellers listed front and centre, a side bar with the most common categories making it easy to look for what you want, or just to browse if you're not looking for something specific. If you want award winning noves, they have a category for that too. New releases, and 'in the news' to keep up to date with the latest trends. And the top picks are always worth a look.
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