With doors closed, you’re probably looking to easy ways to let readers know about your online collections, programs, and services? If you’re sending NextReads newsletters, you’re already halfway there.
Your patrons are hungry for book suggestions, so make sure patrons know when you offer e-book and e-audiobook versions of the recommended titles, especially if you’re not currently processing holds. Patrons appreciate that their libraries have digital versions for check out. We have step-by-step instructions on how to add links to your e-books and e-audiobooks, so give it a try.
And it’s good timing, as you may find your newsletters have some extra space in them for a while. With publishers and warehouses closed due to the virus, publication dates are shifting. That means starting with the June editions of NextReads, you may see fewer titles listed as we remove titles that haven't been published. It's a temporary situation; once these new books are published, we'll add them to both the correct Advance list and the newsletter drafts. If you want to add your own titles, maybe some staff picks, local authors, or old favorites, we have instructions for quickly adding titles to a newsletter.
Books aren’t the only things you can promote to NextReads-loving patrons. Use some of the extra space to promote your online programs and services, too, like virtual storytime, an online book discussion, your library’s language learning offering, and e-magazine program (hint: promote e-versions of travel magazines in the Armchair Travel newsletter.) Follow these tips on how to promote your virtual programming events and online resources.
Jessica Lin is an Engagement Specialist at NoveList. She is reading The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay.