Indie authors and publishers think a lot about getting books into libraries. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s a rite of passage, or a holdover of the older, traditional publishing industry. Or maybe, as in my case, it’s the awkward silence when asked, “Can I check out your book from the library?” Real books are in libraries. Right? As Melissa Bowersock and Laurie Boris explained, there are a couple of avenues for getting indie eBooks into libraries, but what about paperbacks?
When my first book was initially published by a small indie company in Washington, I excitedly shared the news with friends in my hometown. More than once the response was something along the lines of, “Oh, that’s wonderful! Can I get it at the library?”
Never anticipating a problem, I dropped by my local library, book in hand, to ask. I was told to leave it at the reference desk and the librarian would call me when she was able. About two weeks later, she called.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Clayton. We can’t keep your book, because it’s listed in neither the Library of Congress, nor WorldCat. We only take books already listed in one of the two. We have so many local authors bringing us books, we just don’t have time to add books to the databases ourselves. Would you like to donate it to our used bookstore?”
Well, that was embarrassing. I’d heard of the Library of Congress (R.J. Crayton tells us about a relatively new development regarding the Library of Congress here, my experience was back in 2010, and that option wasn’t available to indies then), but I was unfamiliar with WorldCat Library, so I did some research.
WorldCat Library is “the world’s largest network of library content and services. WorldCat libraries are dedicated to providing access to their resources on the Web, where most people start their search for information.”
Okay, cool. But how would I get my book there? Turns out I couldn’t. Only libraries could enter my book, using a “valid library membership.”
I was running in circles. Libraries wouldn’t enter my indie book into WorldCat, and they wouldn’t accept my book until it was entered.
Friends volunteered to ask my library to order the book, believing if patrons requested it, it would be ordered.
That didn’t work. Next option.
Now, I’m not a librarian, I don’t play one on T.V., and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I’m just working off what I was told by not one, but two central Florida librarians. Which led me to wonder….
What if (upon leaving my publisher and self-publishing) I sent the new edition to libraries in places that were significant in the storyline of my book? It was a longshot, but I decided to try it. My first book series is set deep in the heart of Appalachia. I sent a copy, a news release, and a cover letter to Cabell County Public Library in West Virginia. It took some time (as in months and months), but surprisingly, it worked. The book was eventually available at libraries in West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. As the years have gone by, it’s also become available in libraries in Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Florida, California, Oregon, and Washington. You can see if your paperbacks are in libraries by checking here.
I’ve done this with each book since, and at this time all but one of my paperbacks is available in multiple libraries. If just one library adds it into the database – according to the librarians I spoke with back in 2010 – other libraries are much more willing to accept it.
A helpful hint: Once a book has been added to the WorldCat database, it’s assigned an Online Computer Library Center control number (OCLC). You’ll find the number by scrolling down the book page on the WorldCat site.
Library of Congress Control Numbers are typically entered on the copyright page. Why not add the OCLC number to the same place? That way, when a friend or relative asks if they can get your book at their local library, you can send the library a copy and they’ll immediately be able to see that yes, it is in the WorldCat database.
I realize not everyone wants to go to the trouble or expense of mailing out books in hopes some kind librarian will take the time to add it to the database. I also know some authors would prefer their books not be in a library, because, the argument goes, then people won’t buy it, they’ll only rent it. My thinking is that the more eyes on the book, the more word of mouth there will be, and the more books I’ll sell. I can’t prove that, but that’s my thought process.
At any rate, it’s just one more tool to stick in the indie author toolbox as we continue to blaze the trail of indie publishing.
Melinda, I think you’ve hit exactly on the best way to do this. I’ve always donated my books to whatever local library might benefit, and as a result, many of my books now have OCLC numbers. I didn’t plan it that way, but once I became aware, I realized it was the perfect low-key option. I really like your idea of sending the book and a press release at the same time; I think it denotes professionalism. Yes, it takes some time to see the results, but well worth the wait, I think. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you, Melissa. Until we’re able to consistently get those ever-elusive Library of Congress Control Numbers, this might at least be a way to go in the back door.
Thoughtful approach. My two books are in all of the local public libraries by donation. It does cost a few copies, but exposure is certainly worth the cost where it is possible. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by, Ray. 🙂 I tried to donate to my local library back in 2010, but unfortunately with it not listed in WorldCat or the LOC, they weren’t interested at that time.
Holy Moly. Melinda. Great post. I checked WorldCat and some of the libraries I sent print editions to last year have them on their shelves. I only got a thank you from one Library. WorldCat shows reviews and then links to Goodreads…I had no idea I have such nice reviews on Goodreads. I do not populate GRs. But every book I sent out has a OCLC number. One book got shelves as far away as Idaho. Great info. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by, Jackie. It’s fun to see where they turn up, isn’t it? 🙂
Hi Melinda, Thanks for sharing your knowledge. One follow-up question: if my paperback has a Library of Congress Control number, how would I go about speaking to libraries about my book? What works? What doesn’t work? For what it’s worth, I live in Los Angeles and run free writing workshops in several local libraries, so I have some contacts in the library system, but I’ve been hesitant to bring it up with them.
Hi Cody – thanks for stopping by! To be honest, I think you’ll have to get over your hesitation regarding speaking to libraries. 🙂 Believe me, I understand it. I haven’t asked my local library about my subsequent five novels due to my own hesitancy (once burned, twice shy), but as my husband always says, “If you don’t ask, the answer will definitely be ‘no.'” Unfortunately, I haven’t found a magic formula that always works when approaching people about our books. Mine is more of a “take a deep breath and make the call” sort of strategy. I’d really encourage you to go for it – you might be surprised. 🙂 Best of luck!