Promoting materials from the HORROR genre
Library collections are made up of more than just books. Movies, music, audiobooks also exist within the wall of the library building, and there are a plethora of resources available online that are part of the library collection. This includes material through apps like Libby and streaming platform's like Hoopla. With all of these different formats available, it is important to include them in reader's advisory interactions with patrons. Promoting material from the horror genre is particularly interesting. Every fall, as we prepare for Halloween, the desire to cuddle up and get spooked with a good book or movie hits us, and we set out to get our hands on our favorite stories and occasionally, we branch out in search of new favorites.
Since movies are so popular, especially around Halloween, a quick and easy way to promote other material within the horror genre is to include an insert or sticker in the movie case that suggest read-alikes including podcasts, short stories, poetry, music, audiobooks, graphic novels, non-fiction and other movies that are similar to the chosen title found in the collection. For books and other print material, include a bookmark with similar suggestions in other formats from the library's collection. It is also a good idea to have these bookmarks available at the circulation desk so they can be slipped inside other books, along with receipt, during check out.
In addition to creating inserts and bookmarks, create an interactive display in a high traffic area. Include a variety of material and place in front of a bulletin board display. Create a system for recommendations where patrons can choose their level scary, gore, violence, and monsters. This is easily done by separating the display into mini displays which showcase subgenres like the occult, ghosts, witches, vampires, true crime, dark fantasy, psychological horror, and splatterpunk. Display corresponding bookmarks with each subgenre. And don't forget to include a variety of formats.
I love the idea of putting a read alike insert in the movie case! I also think by creating a display with varying levels of 'scary' is a great way to encourage patrons without overwhelming them. Awesome ideas!
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ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of separating a horror display into mini displays to showcase subgenres. Not only does this cater to current horror fans, it exemplifies the nuances within the genre for readers who may not be very familiar with horror. I saw an example of something like this on Pinterest, and it can be relatively easy to do with a long table, masking tape to separate the section areas, and simple signage.
I love the idea of a readalike inset in a movie case - so creative! You have some solid ideas. Full points!
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