CIL2012: Marketing Ebook/Ereaders

Presenters are Beth Tribe, Maurice Coleman, Robyn Truslow, and Bryan Hissong.

Beth:

• Trained library staff to handle problems and answer questions.
• Offered basic classes to help people use an ereader.
• Gave classes before Black Friday about how to select an ereader for purchase (100+ people in two classes).
• Help people make an informed decision.
• Branches offer one-on-one sessions (2012).
• In one weekend, one branch had 60+ one-on-one sessions.  Lots of Kindles.
• Some branches are offering drop-in nights.

Lessons:

• Customers expect to plug-n-play.
• You won't be able to keep up with the technology.  Understand what you have and you'll still be able to help.
• Customers don't realize that ebooks are licensed and what that means to them/library.

Maurice:

• Diverse customer base from Amish to the rich.
• Created a display called "eBook Experience" where people could touch and play with them.  Each device was connected to the "island" with a security cable.
• Had device specific information cards
• Info for each different device.  Allows customer to follow directions at home for using Overdrive.
• Demonstration manual
• Dedicated computer to use with Overdrive (Adobe Digital Editions process)
• Customer survey
• "Learn how to download eBooks at the library" See a staff member for assistance."
• Included a custom logo
• Created lots of signage
•  Staff training
• Terminology
• FAQ answers
• Detailed demonstration instructions
• Publicity
• Articles in library's magazine
• PR
• Signage
• Advice
• Over communicate everything
• Technology changes fast. Don't sweat it.
• Give staff time to play (if you can).
• Get as much staff input as you need and can
• Technology is Shakespeare - Some staff get confused and forget their reference skills
• Extra set of stuff (devices)

Bryan:

• Created tech bars.
• People did bring in cable cutters and steal devices (which were tethered with security cables).  
• Like others...training staff is key.
• Need to keep staff educated.  Technologies changes.
• Devices could be borrowed for use in the library.
• Created eSOP - eReader Standard Operating Procedure

Left and went to another session in hopes of hearing Erin Dorney.  Did not hear Robyn speak.