HKS virtual book tours feature recently published authors

The Harvard Kennedy School Library, in conjunction with the HKS IT/Media Services office, regularly posts “Virtual Book Tours” that spotlight HKS faculty members with recently published books. The current book tour, “Nicco Mele: The End of Big: How the Internet Makes David the New Goliath,” offers an opportunity for viewers to learn more about Mele and his book.

“We find that they are a great way for faculty members to get the word out about their new books. They are generally very receptive to participating, ” said Leslie Donnell, director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Library and Knowledge Services and manager of collections and digital content.

Valerie Weis, research and knowledge services librarian—who has coordinated the most recent tours—said she seeks out faculty members who either have just released or are about to release a new book. She then sends a list of questions for the author to answer when he or she is producing the video with staff from media services. Weis, Donnell and Heather McMullen, manager of research, instruction and knowledge services, produce 15 to 20 virtual tours per year. They make every effort to include all faculty members or research fellows who ask to be featured, and Donnell hopes to begin hosting a few “physical” book talks during the next academic year.