This document discusses merchandising strategies for libraries based on practices at independent bookstores. It recommends creating consistent signage, using shelftalkers and staff bookmarks to promote books, and arranging eye-catching displays. It also stresses the importance of collection development based on covers, removing unattractive books, and creating boutique collections around local or regional authors to spark community interest. The document advocates adapting ideas from successful independent bookstores to help libraries better promote their materials.

1. An Indie State of Mind
On merchandising, displays, and what librarians can
learn from independent book stores

2. Who am I?
• Leah L. White
• Head of Popular Materials
• Ela Area Public Library
• @leahlibrarian
• www.leahlwhite.com

3. Yes but...
http://bit.ly/GVhiJd

4. Why we should listen

5. Not so different

6. And our recommendations aren't based on an Internet
algorithm. We've actually read our recommended books.
And any two people want two different things. Why should
they be pigeon-holed into buying whatever the steepest
discount is? Sure, people want to read "The Help," but
where do you go after that? We know the answer by
listening to our customers and the community, and that will
never change.
Stefan Moorehead, Buyer, Unabridged Bookstore
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/blog/2011/07/how-are-independent-book-sellers-faring-and-adapting.html

7. Bookstore model?

8. We are unique

9. The Plan
• What is merchandising?
• Merchandising basics
• Collection development
• Bookstore ideas worth stealing

10. Merchandising

11. Sounds like a buzzword...

14. Merchandising Basics

15. Consistent Signage

16. Create
experiences

17. Shelftalkers

23. Staff Favorite Bookmarks

24. Book displays

26. Stack 'em high (library edition)

28. Collection
Development

29. Covers Count

30. No one wants to check this out.

31. Or this...

32. Ditch those
funky books

33. Boutique Collections

34. Local or Regional Author Collections

36. Steal these ideas

48. Local
Author
Love

49. So many more...
• Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis
• Common Good, St.Paul
• The Elliot Bay Book Company, Seattle
• Arcadia Books, Spring Green
• Prairie Lights, Iowa City
• http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder

50. Never stop
reading for
pleasure

51. Thank you.
• Questions?
• Twitter @leahlibrarian
• www.leahlwhite.com