What library managers say

In March 2009 Liverpool Libraries and Information Services asked managers across the city about the impact of the course. Many of the replies were from managers who were not directly involved in Frontline but knew that staff in their libraries were using it.

• 93% of library managers said that more books were being issued from book promotions and displays in their library as a result of the training
• 88% said staff spent more time talking to readers about books and reading
• 88% of managers reported that Frontline has improved book displays in their libraries
• 94% said their staff were more aware of how readers choose books and 100% said that staff had a better understanding of how book covers signal messages to readers
• 100% of library managers reported that staff felt more confident in offering reading suggestions to borrowers
• 82% said that staff felt more confident about running book promotions and were producing more book displays

Library managers’ comments included:

• Stock previously thought unreadable has been given a new lease of life. (Lee Valley Library)
• Staff confidence in their ability to recommend books they have not read has gone from zero to 100% (Sefton Park Library).
• We are lucky to have a library with new display furniture and staff use this to create their own displays with confidence and skill. (Spellow).
• It has made us more aware how to display books now we know about the psychology of book covers. (Fazakerley Library).
• Staff compete in a friendly way to produce the best displays and are putting skills they have learned into practice. (Breck Road Library).
• It has given very experienced members of staff a new lease of life when thinking of book displays and promotion.

Thanks to Ron Travis and Liverpool Libraries and Information Services for permission to quote.