Libraries have wonderfully rich collections.  Book marketing changes constantly, trends in genres come and go, new bestsellers start fresh cover fashions.  It is hard to keep up with the range and depth of material that is available to our readers, including our wealth of back stock. How can we help people discover what is hidden in our shelves? This course will help you update your book knowledge and select, curate and present capsule promotional collections that will catch readers’ interest and tempt them to try something new.

Identifying a unifying idea to create a collection starts with thinking about what readers want, the experiences they are looking for in books.  You will develop skills in identifying these to make strong links between diverse titles.  You will use a central concept to gather titles together that have similar appeal, but that would not normally be found together on the shelves, or in a standard promotion.  These capsule collections will be useful in your digital promotions, as flexible physical promotions in the library and as a resource for reader recommendations.

Module One will teach you how to create collections which start from a topic and develop intriguing connections that widen a subject. Module Two takes a visual approach to identifying reader appeal in cover design and shows you how to create imaginative collections which bring similar reading experiences together to offer the reader something tempting.

Your Mentor will give detailed feedback on your ideas and title selection. Their role is to use their expertise to stretch your thinking and to help you create exciting collections. They will support you to develop new skills and book knowledge that you can use time and time again.