Libraries learn from bookstores

INFOcus is the e-newsletter publication of the Librarian's Yellow Pages. Today's issue contains a great textbook on marketing, displays, and signage. It reminds me of my first days working in a library (where I had accidentally landed before I became a card-carrying MLS Librarian). My assignment was to build displays around Chase's Calendar of Events. For instance, who would have ever thought (without Chase's) that today is "Belly Laugh Day." Anyway, it sure made me mad when I worked all afternoon to pull out all the little-circulated books on a particular topic to find the display bunker emptied out following the 5:00 after-work rush. I quickly learned the wisdom of showcasing our wares.

What libraries can learn from bookstores: Applying bookstore design to public libraries gives a whole lot of ideas - new as well as some I've forgotten. The article includes an interview with a former supervisor of a Barnes and Noble children's section. Some great ideas:

• Everyone is cross-trained. Workers in the cafe area can provide direction to customers.
• Lists of bestsellers posted in strategic places.
• Everyone is expected to know the top ten bestsellers and where they are.
• Staff receive sheets on release dates and expected arrival dates.
• Everyone works the checkout.
• Staff spend days in assigned areas shelving new books.
• Customers are connected with and help is offered.
• Customers smell coffee & pastries.
• Music favors targeted customers (B&N targets baby boomers, plays classical music; Borders targets Gen X, plays jazzier music).
• Barnes & Noble stores have brighter lighting than other stores. Experts say brighter light suggests lower prices.
• Power aisles lead customers to all parts of store. Displays line the power aisles.
• Reduce information overload. Shelve by genre, use shorter shelves.
• Booklists and recommendations

Lots more on signage and displays. Good resource.