Ela library's new 'retail' look gives circulation a boost

A new look is making a big difference for the Ela Area Public Library's popular materials department.

After a monthlong reorganization of the area was completed in June, library officials said, they have seen significant jumps in circulation of magazines, DVDs, video games and fiction books.

Library Director Mary Beth Campe attributes the gains to the way the materials are shelved. She said the space is now more open and easy to navigate, taller shelves have been removed and many materials face cover-out instead of spine-out.

"It's more of a bookstore model than an old fashioned library," Campe said.

Circulation of magazines has jumped the highest, seeing a 40 percent increase. Video games' circulation has spiked 38 percent, DVDs are up 23 percent and fiction books hit an 11 percent increase.

Campe said many patrons have commented on the new layout, often asking if the library had bought more materials. She said the number of materials has not changed, but the more retail-like setup showcases them in a way more conducive to shopping, including more displays.

"The whole idea is to get (patrons) in and have them see what we have and they'll take more than what they came for," Campe said.

The popular materials department was consciously reorganized in a way that would better allow people to browse in hopes circulation would rise. Campe, who has a background in retail, said when items face out, people tend to check them out more often.

Other libraries have benefited from rearranging their materials in a similar way. Tom Kern, director of the Wauconda Area Public Library, said the library bought new shelves in 2008 that allow new books to be displayed face-out.

Circulation of new mysteries and the library's "most wanted" collection doubled shortly after the new shelves were put to use, Kern said.

These jumps come in addition to increases in circulation libraries are experiencing because of the recession.