Want to see your books on the shelves of your local library? The good news is that it's absolutely possible, and it's more achievable than you might think. Libraries are a powerful marketing channel for an author’s work. They often champion books to their communities, reaching more than 172M registered public library users across the United States.
When you publish with IngramSpark, your books are introduced to libraries across the United States through Ingram Library Services—a trusted leader in library distribution. Your book is also made available in iPage, putting it directly where libraries are shopping. In addition to the opportunities IngramSpark offers, there are a number of things you can do on your own to enhance efforts to get your book noticed and placed in library systems across the country.
Here are 6 things you can do:
1. Offer Your Book in Multiple Formats
- Physical books remain the core of library collections, as they're preferred for their durability. However, libraries don't limit themselves to only hardcover books.
- They're also interested in paperbacks and ebooks, as well, in order to provide the best selection for their readers. Though ebooks are expensive for libraries to purchase because they operate on a licensing model, many patrons prefer digital formats. So, having your book available in multiple formats can increase your chances of getting interest from libraries.
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2. Optimize Your Metadata
- Clear and compelling metadata is key to helping libraries discover your book and ensuring that it's cataloged correctly. It should be as descriptive as possible, including elements such as what genre the book fits into, where and when your story takes place, and keywords or information that will appeal to the intended audience.
- Libraries favor a patron driven acquisition model, aiming to have books in their collections before patrons request them. This approach enhances cost efficiency, responsiveness, collection breadth, and overall patron satisfaction. For authors this means good metadata is critical for early discovery.
- Readers depend on good metadata to find their next read. Ultimately, it’s what connects your content to your prospective readers and is fondly referred to as your book’s “sales force”.
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3. Build a Relationship with Your Local Library
- Visit the library's website or speak with a librarian to learn their specific policies for accepting self-published books or donations. Each library has its own guidelines.
- Many libraries have special sections for local writers and are more receptive to community members. This also gives you a success story to reference when approaching other libraries.
- Offer to speak at your local branch. Giving a talk on self-publishing or reading a passage from your book shows that you're not just focused on your own self-interest but also invested in the community and the library’s success.
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4. Gather Professional Reviews
- Unlike consumer reviews, which are written by readers for readers, professional reviews are crafted by critics for an audience of booksellers, librarians, and other industry insiders.
- Librarians depend on reputable industry publications when making their purchasing choices. Even one positive review from these outlets can open doors to hundreds of libraries.
- Pursue professional reviews from library-focused publications like Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
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5. Attend Library Conferences and Book Festivals
- Events like the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference, state library association meetings, and local book festivals give you face-to-face opportunities with librarians. You can network, hand out promotional materials, and learn what librarians are looking for.
- Don't neglect regional conferences, as they're often more accessible and budget-friendly than national ones.
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6. Use Library Request Systems to Your Advantage
- Encourage your readers, friends, and family to request your book through their local library's acquisition request system. When multiple patrons request the same title, libraries are more likely to purchase it.
- This grassroots approach can be surprisingly effective and shows genuine community interest.
Getting your self-published book into libraries is a strategic way to reach more readers, build credibility, and connect with your community. Start with your local library, approach librarians professionally, and stay persistent—even after setbacks. Each new library is another chance for discovery. Your work deserves a place on those shelves, and libraries are excellent partners in helping your book reach new audiences.
