We have given our merchandising presentation to many library districts in the metro area and one concern always comes up."Doesn't a display take titles away from customers placing a hold?"
or "How do you find it in a display unit?"
First, take the sour puss candies out of your mouth. Let's remember our mission: helping customers connect with our materials. Do you want the alternative to be that items just sit and grow dust?
To this we offer a resounding "Not a chance!"
While it is wonderful that we offer many electronic services, we shouldn't neglect the patron that actually visits. Many feel that we place too much emphasis on the request lists. A lot of this worry comes from a fear of change. We are used to the old ways and believe that to remove a book from the shelf is to doom it to the black hole of lost items. Displays aren't meant to take titles away from customers. In fact, when done correctly they will showcase titles that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Current displays, like a holiday one, are anticipating what the patron will be looking for and puts the titles front and center.
Here are a few rules of thumb that will make this a fearless process.
- Keep the number of displays in proportion to your collection. Displays should be little showcases, not the majority of your collection.
- Communicate to your staff what is on display.
- Stay organized by using a calendar or a display list at service desks.
- Don't include often requested items in a display. Put those items at the check out desk for a quick turn over.
When you create eye-catching displays, chances are the titles will be checked out before someone requests a hold. But be ready to offer some alternatives to your patron if the title is unavailable.
