The TLCPL Merchandising Standards Initiative focuses on two specific goals:

• Create an environment that encourages more/more extended visits.
• Increase the number of materials checked out per person/visit.

To accomplish this, displays that appeal to customers' interests are intentionally placed in high-traffic areas, with heavily visited collections relocated deeper into the space, curating a library that forces patrons to interact with beautiful, carefully crafted displays, resulting in increased circulation.

Led by a team of both administration and front-line staff, standards were crafted to set simple display rules, required topics, and maintenance plans that capitalize on retail practices proven to encourage customer loyalty. Each of our 20 locations was provided an individualized plan, transforming existing fixtures into heavily-merchandised features at little to no cost. Help was provided to accomplish these plans based on agency needs and followed up with training and goal-setting to promote teamwork and buy-in.

• Agencies that have completed their merchandising plans have seen an average increase of 45% in checkouts per customer (Jan. 22 - Dec.22).
• Customer reactions are overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the inability to walk through a space without browsing/checking out.
• Merchandising allows us an avenue for fostering our values and promoting the library's commitment to inclusivity.
• The all-hands-on nature of this work has bridged positional gaps and provided opportunities for team building across the organization.