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This course is very thorough and has really forced me to consider how to make positive changes by taking the reader's perspective. I have adopted so many useful suggestions and ideas: making better first impressions to visitors; using all my senses to create changes to our landing strip; and I have decluttered and refreshed the 'space worth thousands'. Our collection is comprised largely of textbooks but now, based on what we've learnt, we are rearranging our stock, making it easier for students to find what they need.
- College libraries
- Self-assessed
- Intermediate
Managing first impressions
Learn to see through your students’ eyes and take practical steps to improve your most important spaces.
432 staff completed · 70+ services
Learning outcomes
What staff will know, value and be able to do:
Analyse the library's entrance and key spaces through the eyes of a first-time visitor using multi-sensory observation
Recognise how physical environment, clutter, signage and display send clear messages about what the library offers
Apply retail principles to position books and displays where they catch the eye and invite browsing
Evaluate book covers to identify their age appeal, genre signals and target readership for effective display curation
Create and maintain a face-forward book display that remains above 70% full to generate increased borrowing
Select appropriate display locations and furniture to make books visible at eye-level and accessible to approaching visitors
Plan and implement improvements to a specific library entrance or zone, observing the impact on visitor behaviour
Value the power of small, low-cost changes to declutter spaces and refresh first impressions without major investment
Appreciate how libraries can adapt retail display expertise whilst maintaining their unique role as trusted community spaces for reading
- 01 A welcoming environment
- 02 Improve your entrance space
- 03 Effective book display
- 04 Test it out in the library
How long do I have to complete the course?
You can start any time and work through the material at your own pace.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is issued automatically once you've completed the self-assessment.
Can my whole team take it?
Yes - bulk discounts on 10+ places. Get a team quote →
What format is the course in?
Online text with illustrated examples, interactive exercises, audio and practical exercises you complete in your own library.
How accessible are the courses?
Self-paced with adjustable text size, width and contrast, plus an audio version with read-along text in every course. More about accessibility →
What learners say
I thought the course was fantastic. Thinking like a retailer really make a lightbulb come on. I 'dared' to redesign a space I hadn't touched for years and learned about making our shelves more attractive. Best course I have done with the library.
I really enjoyed Managing first impressions; the practical tasks were interesting to undertake and I am now looking at our library in a very different way. It is very satisfying to see the changes I have made making a positive difference to the library and the customers.
£50.00
per place
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