Is Dan Brown a Book Killer?

There's a lot of talk about the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol. I got at least 10 email alerts when the cover art was released alone.

Now there is a lot of talk about the harm a big release like this will do in our current struggling economy. This post on the EW book blog "Shelf Life" has the most complete analysis of the situation outlining both sides of the argument quite well.

From the RA perspective, make sure you have your Dan Brown readalike lists ready and updated. If you need some help click here for lists to get you started. The new Dan Brown is the perfect opportunity to showcase all you have to offer in the way of leisure reading services. Knock their socks off while they wait and you will have created a life long library user.

Remind your patrons that they will get the book eventually, but that there are many other wonderful titles on the shelf right now, with no wait, that can tide them over in the meantime.

A few days before the release I will post some alternative suggestions to help, but remind people that they do not need to wait to get their names on the waiting list for The Lost Symbol right now.