Know-how at the Library

By Aida Bardales -- Críticas, 11/15/2006

During the six years since I got my first job in publishing, the Spanish-language book market has grown significantly. This is reflected not only in the number of Spanish-language books published (or imported) every season but also in the number of bookstores and libraries expanding their collections. As an editor, I have always kept an eye on mainstream trends to detect what will work in the U.S. Spanish-language book market. But when I arrived at Críticas, I learned that one of the biggest sources of information about what books Spanish speakers want is in my own neighborhood, at the public library.

Most U.S. book distributors are already well aware that librarians purchase the bulk of the books in Spanish that they sell, but publishers in general don’t seem to have tapped this reliable source for ideas and feedback. It’s not too difficult to figure out Hispanics want translations of English-language best sellers, but only a librarian can describe their patrons’ demands for books on the U.S. public school system, kids’ books on Mexico’s states, or graphic novels.

Publishers and librarians both have the end user in mind when deciding which books to publish or purchase, respectively. They each know what works best for them (in sales or circulation) and the demand that exists. But if they don’t exchange what they know, how will the end user truly benefit?

In this issue, you’ll find the third installment of our “Who’s Who in U.S. Spanish-language Publishing” series. At public libraries across the country, collection development librarians are busy buying Spanish-language books. They spoke to us about common problems they face in expanding their collections, the materials their Spanish-reading patron’s are looking for, and the resources they rely on to make their purchases. This is a piece every publisher and distributor of Spanish-language books won’t want to miss. May it spur dialog.

Another good way to get feedback for book ideas is by attending a book fair. This month’s Guadalajara Book Fair (FIL) is the most important event not only for the Spanish-speaking world but for U.S. librarians as well. U.S. librarians gather each year at FIL to learn about new releases and new talents and to select titles for existing Spanish-language collections. These buyers, both FIL and the American Library Association (ALA) have recognized, are very important to the movement of Spanish-language books in the United States.

Also in November, the Miami International Book Fair, a must for U.S. booksellers and distributors alike, is the go-to fair for Spanish-language books in the United States. It showcases debut authors and celebrates Hispanic culture. Both fairs are platforms for Spanish-language writers and publishers, and both are great opportunities for librarians and publishers to exchange ideas.

You won’t want to miss our interview with the internationally acclaimed writer Gioconda Belli. She talks to us about her rebellions, passions, and her latest book, El pergamino de la seducción (The Scroll of Seduction), a historical novel inspired by Spain’s queen Juana la Loca (Juana the Mad).

See you in Guadalajara!

Aída Bardales
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