New material display from Tonganoxie Public Library
How can libraries make sure that their patrons are aware of all of the new books, music and movies added to the collection? If the bestselling books all check out as soon as they hit the shelves, how can patrons know about them, so they can put their name on a waiting list?
Recently when visiting the Osage City Public Library, I noticed that Jeanette Stromgren displayed full color copies of popular book titles, printed on cardstock, with a sticker saying “Sorry I’m out right now, please ask a staff person to place a hold on me for you. See you soon!” According to Jeanette, “I got this idea for Alice [Smith] in Carbondale who found it on the bus tour to Royce’s library.” That would be Royce Kitts, Director of the Tonganoxie Public Library. Royce confirmed that the wording was the same that they use, plus that each laminated card includes a review on the back.
What other ways are our libraries spreading the word about new books, movies and music? Bonner Springs City Library periodically updates their New Materials page on the Web site. The tiny Pomona City Library simply tapes color copies of the cover art of new books to the closet doors, so when the library is open and those doors are open, visitors can look up and see all of the books available. According to Jenne Laythem, the Basehor Community Library posts flyers above the two OPACS in the adult section, one happens to be right where the dvds are shelved and the other is at the Adult Fiction.
I invite everyone to use the Comments feature to share your ideas for advertising both new materials and ideas to encourage patrons to place holds and reserves. How do you make sure patrons know how to get their names on “the list”?
Sharon Moreland
Sharon Moreland is the Technology Consultant at NEKLS. You can reach her by email (smoreland (at) nekls.org), phone, or on several instant messaging platforms (look Sharon up by her email address). Visit the 
Did you know you can get cover art from Illuminar, the ‘public face’ of Agent? (Just right click on the picture and save it to your computer.) I also have an example of Basehor’s New Movies and Recent Releases flyer if anyone wants a copy faxed to them (old school, but it works). – Shaorn