I want to create opportunities for patrons to virtually browse our collection
When patrons aren’t able to visit your library and browse the shelves in person, use LibraryAware to create virtual browsing experiences. Read our blog post to see what other libraries have done. Try some or all of these strategies to connect your patrons with their next good book:
1. Create virtual bookshelves on your website. Search the keywords “virtual browsing” to bring up widget slides that you can save as images and use as links to catalog search results or a newsletter list for specific genres. Or rotate between multiple slides by creating a widget and placing it on your website.
2. Add a webpage with book carousels. Use newsletter widgets with NextReads newsletter issues or your own custom newsletters to feature books of the same genre or topic. Promote new releases, staff picks, teen titles, and more. Patrons can click on the jacket cover and place a hold right away.
When the next newsletter issue is emailed to patrons, the carousel will update with the new titles automatically.
3. Use NextReads newsletters. Link to your opt-in page on your website, so patrons are able to sign up for NextReads newsletters.
Pro tip: Add virtual programming information or service updates to NextReads newsletters for another opportunity to reach patrons.
Pro tip: Add virtual programming information or service updates to NextReads newsletters for another opportunity to reach patrons.
4. Get personal. Give your patrons one-on-one recommendations through email by offering form-based readers’ advisory.
Search the keywords “readers advisory response” to find email templates. Then add your book recommendations and email to patrons.
For more information on implementing a form-based readers’ advisory program, watch our webinar where librarians at Boston Public Library, Dallas Public Library, and Weymouth Public Libraries shared their tips and strategies.