Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

Back to the Book XXIII: Readers' Advisory, Historical Fiction, & Merchandising
Date/Time
9/26/2024
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Eastern
Competency
Readers' Advisory
Event Description
Back to the Book XXIII will begin the morning with how to read a book in 5 minutes and introduce guided reading focusing on the historical fiction genre.  In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to bring one of your favorite books to share at your table.  This will be followed by a session on merchandising and we will end the day with author Amanda Flower.  You won't want to miss Back to the Book XXIII.
 
RA Toolbox: “Read” a Book in Five Minutes 
The book industry is lit! Since the invention of the printing press in 1440, there have been an estimated 159,564,880 books put out into the world (Google did a count in 2010 of 129,864,880 books and UNESCO estimates there are 2.2 million books published each year since). Patrons rightly look to library staff for help selecting their next books from the billions from which to choose. Sadly, “read all day” is not in our job description, so how are library staff supposed to keep up with an ever-changing literary landscape? This interactive session will provide practical knowledge and free resources that would enable staff to “read” a book in five minutes so they can better assist in reader’s advisory and stay abreast of the publishing industry. 
 
Guided Genre Reading Round Table (GGRRT): Introduction to Historical Fiction 
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Genre Reading Round Table (GGRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This first session will provide a general overview and identify popular tropes and genre trends. A reading list will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles. The GGRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure. 

Presenters:


Ris Labib, a librarian in the Business, Government, & Science division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! Her favorite genre is dark fantasy. 





Amber Salmon has 20 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library. She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Think & Drink Book Club, Romance Book Club, and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite genre is historical romance.


Merchandising for Patron Experience
 
Merchandising can significantly influence patron opinion and loyalty by acknowledging that the experience of visiting a library is just as important as the items a patron takes home. Through thoughtful displays and merchandising standards, libraries can increase patron loyalty by placing entertainment, needs, and education at the forefront of user experience - simply by making the library's core offerings visible and accessible. When done correctly, merchandising not only increases use of the collection, but encourages patrons' participation in services that extend beyond borrowing.
 
 Learning Objectives:
  • The science behind what makes an effective display
  • Why merchandising is a key factor in customer satisfaction
  • "The Rules" for crafting a successful display 
  • How to select items for display
  • Strategies for accomplishing the work as a library team
Presenter:

Allison Fiscus is the Adult Services Coordinator at the National Medal-winning Toledo Lucas County Public Library, where she has been employed for the last 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Toledo and a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. As Adult Services Coordinator, Allison oversees services, initiatives, programs and partnerships aimed at adults for all 20 library locations. Before this, Allison managed the Maumee Branch Library and served as Maumee Uptown Business Association president.  In addition to her work as a public librarian, Allison was previously a Children’s Lead and Digital Lead at Barnes and Noble where she gained first-hand experience in the retail merchandising realm. Allison leads the merchandising work at TLCPL and has presented on the topic widely across the library community at conferences and via webinars. She also loves a good romance book (if you have any suggestions.)

Featured Author:  Amanda Flower
Amanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over fifty mystery novels. Her novels have received starred
reviews from Library JournalPublishers Weekly, and Romantic
Times
, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. Her first Emily Dickinson Mystery, Because I Could Not Stop for Death, was a Agatha Award winner and Mary Higgins Clark Nominee. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, and Sourcebooks. A former librarian, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their adorable cats.

More information coming soon.
Location
Setting: In-Person
Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087
UNITED STATES

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Contact Person
Details
Who Should Attend:  Anyone interested in learning more about reading a book in 5 minutes, guided reading, historical fiction, and merchandising
Competency:  Programming and Readers' Advisory

Non-Member Cost:      $160
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost:  $120
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost:   $80
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost:    FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost:  $80

There is an additional $35 surcharge for facility use and amenities.
Lunch will be provided.


We encourage you to register a minimum of three (5) days in advance for this event in order to ensure that we can accommodate your full participation in terms of seating, hand-outs, food, etc.

Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), awarded by the State Library of Ohio.

It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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