We also remind those who wish to send a copy of their book that libraries do not have to incorporate gifts into the collection, though exceptions are often made for local authors.

Thanks for this!
Karen, ALA Librarian

Heaven knows, librarians get enough grief from many of our patrons, that we truly appreciate compliments (and chocolate). Good idea about handing out your business cards – I’ve collected many over the years and keep in touch with those fledgling authors so I’m ready to get their book when it’s published. (And I, too, said “when.”)

Cheers!
Susan

Personally, I have a certain amount of autonomy in purchasing materials – my only limitations are my annual budget and my limited amount of shelf space. My library has two branches and our branches purchase some of their materials separately from the main library. Not all libraries are that fortunate. For example, Chicago Public Library purchases all their materials centrally, i.e., the main library decides on purchases for all their branches (I think there are 78 branches).

I believe libraries need to not only have the materials our patrons want (e.g., titles on the NYT bestseller list), but the books they don’t know they want. After all, the NYT books may be charged out and I want them to leave with a book in their hands.

Yes, I am a fledgling writer myself, but I was suppportive of new authors even before I began writing. I had originally joined RWA to learn more about the genre and I began purchasing the book of our local area authors – but, at that time, too (10+ years ago), we had heated debates over purchasing paperbacks. [Readers' Digest version - I won that battle and we have paperbacks, which also helped support many of our local authors.] Or, when I go to conferences, I love to go to “first time” author panels. After all, the today’s newbie can be tomorrow’s NYT bestseller and, if I’m really, really nice to them, they might remember me when they can charge tens of thousands of dollars for a speaking engagement and not charge me so much.

I also have to admit, I buy for ME as well. When I’m looking through the journals and reviews, if a book catches my eye, I get to buy that book for the library.

Hope that helps. Thanks for your comments.

Susan

Thanks for your insightful article. I’m an aspiring author also and it’s nice to hear that you’ve taken chances by purchasing debut authors’ works. Thanks from someone who hopes to be one someday!

I’m curious as to whether there is a protocol for you when it comes to purchasing books for the library. Are the purchasing decisions made at your discretion, or is there an approval process—maybe a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down from a committee or what?

From your posts I surmise that you may be a writer too. If so, does that mean you are more amenable than a librarian who is not a writer to purchase works from up-and-comers?

Thanks again for your post!

Tracy

I work our Reference Desk and we always say there are no silly questions. Well, there are – but more along the lines of “how do you cook a three-minute egg?” (and, yes, I’ve actually gotten that question).

Part of my job is doing programming for the library for writers and hosting author events, so I’m building relationships with our local fledgling authors. Plus, I’m a member of RWA and Sisters in Crime, so I’m getting to know the up-and-comers that way as well.

Definitely get to know your local librarian. Every library is different, but find out who buys your type of books (in a small library, one person may do the majority of borrowing but, in a larger libary such as mine, it can be split among a number of people). Does your local library have a “Friends” group (a volunteer organization)? – many of these volunteers work closely with librarians because they help to go through materials donated to the library.

Find out who purchases your type of books (you can call and ask – nothing we do is proprietary information). Call her (or him) and introduce yourself (the only caveat here is to make sure you don’t impede on their time – ask if this is a good time to talk or if you can make an appointment). Ask what they look for when they’re buying; might they automatically purchase something from a local author?

Since the RWA honor, I’ve had lots of people do that and introduce themselves as a writer who’s just getting started. I will often recommend that they look into a writers group if they don’t already belong to one and/or come to some of the programs we offer on writing. And when they’re published, I’m thrilled to purchase their book for our collection – makes me feel like I’m helping to “discover” a new author.

Hope that helps.

Cheers!
Susan

Maybe a silly question but I know there are lots of aspiring authors out here.

Nina

In her email, she implies she’s read one of the author’s books here at the library (we don’t own it). Then she writes:

“This new book looks even better [than his first one]. It’s a political thriller with a controversial plot that should appeal to many other library patrons.”

What makes me question this is that, for the most part, library patrons don’t care what OTHER patrons may want to read. I’ve never heard a patron say, “Gosh, I don’t read [Author],’ but I’m so glad you have 20-some copies of the new book in the series.” Usually, it’s “why DON’T you have 80 million copies of something because ‘I’ [assuming they are the only person on the planet to want this book] want to read it NOW?”

Sorry. I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Cheers,
Susan

As I mentioned earlier. Be honest. Tell me you have a friend or relative who wrote this book. It makes me more interested in finding out more. This email makes me NOT want to buy the book.

I don’t think you’d have to query a library every time you have a new book out – that’s why I get on authors’ mailing lists. If you don’t see your new book in the collection, you might want to query them and remind them that they have your other books in the collection.

Cheers,
Susan