UBAH Library Visits ~ How to get an Appointment

Note: You must be an "Educational Consultant" to service public and private K-12 schools and libraries. Only Educational Consultants may conduct Book Fairs at Schools and libraries, set up in teachers lounges and make direct sales to schools & libraries. Minimum orders are $25. Please refer to the EC manual (in the EC kit) for specific details. You may order the EC kit on the supply order form.

How to get an Appointment
with a Librarian

by Ruth Smith, Director in Birmingham, AL

Once you've gotten your EC kit and become certified as an Educational Consultant, check online or by calling Educational Services to see if the library/school is listed. If it is not, call the library and ask "who purchases for the children's department?" Be sure to write their name down right then. Sometime you are connected directly to that person and when they answer they will say their name - write it down quickly. Say something like:
“Hello, I’m_______, a local consultant of Usborne Books. Are you familiar with Usborne Books?”
(Whether she says “yes” or “no” is fine.)
“Oh, they’re wonderful! If you’re not already working with someone with our company, I’d like to make a 15-20 minute appointment to show you some of our titles I think you’ll like. Do you have a time this Thursday that I could come by?”

Give her a specific time so she can write it in her calendar. Keep working with days & times until it is scheduled. You can ask if there are any areas or subjects (animals, medieval, science, board books, ...?) she needs so you can try to bring those or others in the series.

If she says she doesn’t have money available right now,
ask when you should call back.
Write this in your calendar & remember to call then.

If she says she gets her books through Baker & Taylor (or another jobber), say,
“Great, I'm glad you had a source. As of July 1st, 2003, library bound Usborne Books are no longer sold through any jobbers. That is why I am calling you today. I am glad to work with you directly to get the newest high circulation titles in Class A library binding. Would you like me to bring some by for you to see?”

Have this flyer in front of you as you talk. It may help you know things to say & how to respond as she talks with you: How I Can Help

If she simply won’t see you, that’s OK, just call the next one on your list. Speak slowly and confidently, while respecting their time by avoiding rambling. Sometimes it takes a little persistence to get the appointments, but may well be worth it for both of you!

Read more on this subject on this page:
Your Library Visit

These training pages at www.UsborneUSA.com were created by Nancy Ann Wartman, Independent Executive Supervisor with UBAH, to provide training for consultants with Usborne Books at Home.