Crash Course in Readers' Advisory

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

One of the key services librarians provide is helping readers find books they'll enjoy. This "crash course" will furnish you with the basic, practical information you need to excel at readers' advisory (RA) for adults and teens. The question "can you recommend a good book" can be one of the most daunting you face, notwithstanding the fact that recommender tools are ubiquitous. Often, uncertainty arises because, although librarians are called on to perform such services daily, readers' advisory is a skill set in which most have no formal training. This guide will remedy that. It is built around understanding books, reading, and readers and will quickly show you how to identify reading preferences and advise patrons effectively. You'll learn about multiple RA approaches, such as genre, appeal features, and reading interests and about essential tools that can help with RA. Plus, you'll discover tips to help you keep up with this ever-changing field. There is no other professional book that covers the full spectrum of skills needed to perform the RA service that is in such great demand in libraries of all kinds. Helping readers find what they want is a sure way to serve patrons and build your library's brand. You will come away from this easy-to-understand crash course with the solid background you need to do both.

Reviews

Orr's professional guide is designed to support librarians in both helping their users access the library confidently and figure out what they want to read through readers' advisory techniques. While the examples and statistics tend to be geared to public adult libraries, those who work in schools and with children and teens are sure to pick up many ideas for engaging these readers. . . . This is an essential resource for every librarian working in the field today. * VOYA *

Author Bio

Cynthia Orr is the digital collection advisor for OverDrive, Inc. She often speaks and writes on the topics of readers' advisory service, technical services, and collection management.