Skills for the
new normal

I really enjoyed the course and found the books appeal men and under 45s’ activity fun to do. It also was fun to research online, through blogs and from family members and friends, for their insight to what books the recommend to read. I did all my learning by using my knowledge of my own library and seeking insight from friends/family and colleagues on some of the questions.
Merchandising the bookshelves
Michelle Lord Bexley Libraries UK

I found this really interesting. Made me look at our stock, and books in general, differently. Found it clear and easy to use and follow. The adaptations made to make this a digital course worked fine and it was nice to be given the option to either attempt it using online resources or to wait until we are back at work. Thankfully it was easy enough to use our online catalogue and other sites to complete the tasks but I'll definitely be trying them again when back in a physical library.
Understanding book appeal
Laura Griffith Stirling Libraries UK

The adaptation for the coronavirus was so well done! I'm so glad that I could continue this course even with the library closed. The final bookcase tasks were so fun! The highlight of this course was the ability to have mini assessment style interactions. I felt like I was learning more and able to see the result when I chose the best covers in the selection. There is so much helpful information, and along with the interactive sections, it really gives people a chance to try and have immediate feedback on their choices. It will help staff bring a fresh frame of mind for their display choices - and understand the patron's point of view.
Merchandising the bookshelves
Amy Keen Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation, Victoria, Australia

I enjoyed the course, especially as it made me look at an area that I know very little about, which is graphic novels. I must confess that I had no idea of the breadth of the topic and would certainly consider reading them myself now. It was useful to work away online, researching titles and looking up different websites for ideas. I particularly enjoyed comparing the designs of book covers and graphics over the years and noticing how styles come back into fashion. The different sections really engaged me and I feel I broadened my knowledge in subject areas I wasn't very familiar in.
Understanding book appeal
Evonne Flisch, Stirling Libraries UK

I enjoyed the course, starting it prior to lock down whilst in the library gave me the opportunity to review and look at how we promote our stock and to talk with customers and staff about how they choose books. After lockdown I initially struggled to get my head around doing anything, but the course was skilfully adapted, which helped me re-engage. This taught me the skill of thinking about promotions outside of work, when I am not with customers and the day to day running of the library. Thinking about promotions when you have some quiet time does help with being more creative.
Creating powerful promotions
Rachel Laban Derbyshire Libraries UK

I do relief library work in several community libraries in a rural area so was able to visualise different libraries and book collections during the exercises. I thoroughly enjoyed working through the course, made me realise how much I was missing my libraries. It was not an arduous task at all if you love books and working with readers. Well laid out and easy to use, not technically challenging. Good practical ideas to use in our own libraries.
Merchandising the bookshelves
Sarah Gray Stirling Libraries UK

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. It has taken me quite a bit longer than the suggested 3 hours to complete but that is only because I found myself engrossed in some of the recommended sites and playing around with the tasks. I would absolutely recommend this course to others. I have particularly enjoyed the Virtual Coffee Break and sharing ideas with other participants and the course leader. It has helped to give me ideas for making the best out of areas of the library I am not as familiar with and some techniques to help me recommend titles more confidently.
Understanding book appeal
Alex Galletly Stirling Libraries UK