My Life as a Library Marketing Intern
Just a few months ago I had no idea that such a thing as Library Marketing existed. I mean, honestly, who would have thought that publishing houses have a department solely dedicated to libraries and librarians. Yet here I am, Kiara, the Library Marketing Summer Intern. And I am enjoying every moment of it.
My colleagues are extremely passionate about making wonderful books available to the general public, and the best way to do that is through libraries. At the very core of Library Marketing is a strong connection between the publishing house and the librarians. In order to maintain this connection and keep the librarians informed, the Library Marketing Department does anything from attending conferences like ALA to mailing catalogues to librarians. This makes my tasks as an intern varied and interesting. I have contacted libraries regarding Latino focused books clubs, made conference packets, written letters and blurbs, collated research into excel sheets, mailed prizes, and much more. This is a job that requires you to be multifaceted, attentive, and very devoted to the mission of spreading the love for books.
My time here has been very fruitful; I have seen sides to publishing that I wouldn’t have been able to see as an outsider. I was also able to snag insightful books like Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wynder and My Salinger Year by Joanna Rikoff. After weeks of great book recommendations, coffee break chats, and batman-filled mailing sessions, I am confident that libraries are in good hands.