Hi!
I'm a librarian and an author of history books. I go to libraries all over the Lower Peninsula and give presentations, the end of which I sell and sign books, often at a discount. Each library I have been in provides a table, as well as a projector and screen for my PowerPoint presentation (I have a projector in case the facility doesn't own one, but most presenters don't).
Some authors buy their book supply from their publisher while others self-publish, so prices vary-but I've never encountered any problems setting my own pricing. I've never had a library provide their own books. Only when I do a signing at a Costco or Barnes & Noble or other bookstore do the vendors provide their own books.
I've always had superb librarian staff introduce me and watch over the proceedings, although they are also able to attend to other duties while I am presenting.
I haven't encountered any libraries that have a written policy on author appearances, nor do I think one is needed. I've been a librarian and a library board member and haven't seen any written policies but if you feel one is warranted I would suggest having a few authors and see how it goes, and then decide if you want a policy.
This is how it typically goes:
1. The library provides publicity, a table, and a projector and screen if applicable. They also introduce the author.
2. The author provides the books, makes his/her own change, and doesn't involve the library in the money. Many authors will donate a copy of their book to the library.
3. My home library, like others, has "book fairs" inviting many local authors at a time who sell and autograph their books to library patrons. Many of these are sponsored by Friends of the Library groups.
Hope this helps!
Alan Naldrett
Author of Lost Towns of Eastern Michigan,
Lost Car Companies of Detroit, and others.
alannaldrett@gmail.com
On Tuesday, August 9, 2016 9:54 PM, Shelley Williams <svbwilliams@gmail.com> wrote:
We provide a table. The rest is up to the author. The ones we have had seem to prefer it this way.
Shelley