The Effect of a poster, display and recommended listening list on circulation of audiobooks in the public library

by Linda Kucalaba
Master's Research Paper, Kent State University, 2000.

Hypothesis rejected: "The librarian's use of a poster, display and recommended listening list would result in the increased library circulation of audiobooks."

Experiment rejecting hypothesis

Location: Branches of Youngstown and Mahoning County Public Library

• Austintown
• Boardman
• Canfield
• Main

Groups:

• Experimental group #1: Boardman using listening list
• Experimental group #2: Canfield using display
• Experimental group #3: Main using poster
• Control group: Austintown

Experiment:

• Pre-test period: September 1, 1999 to September 30, 1999, circulation measured for audiobooks for all groups with no marketing.
• Test period: October 1, 1999 to October 31, 1999, circulation measured for audiobooks for all groups while marketing is active.

Results:

One month of marketing produced little increase in the circulation of audiobooks.

• Listening list: +4%
• Display: +19%
• Poster: -5%

These increases were not statistically significant. This means we can not say the increases are caused by the marketing methods. Therefore, the hypothesis is not supported.