More Creative Titles?

Libraries Contacted

Six of the ten libraries surveyed have been creating personalized lists for two years or less.

WHY OFFER A PERSONALIZED LIST SERVICE?

 Reach out to patrons who may not come into branches  Turn indirect readers’ advisory into direct  Build continuing relationships with patrons

CREATING FORMS:

How many questions:  Half (5) of the libraries had 8 questions or less  Only one had more than 20

Pro of lengthy questionnaire: More information to help in creating list Con of lengthy questionnaire: User experience is unsatisfactory

SUGGESTIONS FOR MANAGING LISTS:

Who creates lists?  Mostly librarians  Smaller libraries usually only have one or two staff members  Larger libraries have a pool of librarians  Most libraries have a joint or ticketing system  Librarians generally choose what lists to complete

But I don’t read science fiction… Where to find reading recommendations  Other librarians’ lists (we’ll get to that in slides)  Novelist  GoodReads  Your catalog’s “if you likes”  Amazon “Customers who bought this item”  Professional reviews/blogs  Google  Other staff

Reinventing the wheel How to store for similar future requests

I’d do this… Suggestions from other libraries  If you have Bibliocommons or Encore, build your lists there. You can then make it public for other people.  If multiple librarians are compiling forms, have a checklist to ensure consistency  For teen or kid lists, check commonsensemedia.org to check on violence, profanity, sex, etc.

 Have a print form too available in branches  Have a limit to how many genres people can check  Have fun with it! I’d do this… Suggestions from other libraries

INTERESTING FACTS AND FIGURES

 Mysteries  Bestsellers  Historical Fiction  Suspense/Thriller  Chick Lit/Women’s Fiction  Action/Adventure  Fantasy  Mysteries/Suspense  Romance  Based on Mythology Adults Teens

Statistics Arapahoe Library District 95% have read a recommended book or have at least one on hold

Statistics Arapahoe Library District 84% Are Satisfied or Very Satisfied with the suggestions

SOME COMMENTS

 “I liked how the librarian that reccomended [sic] the books to me also enjoyed the same types of generes [sic] that I enjoy. Also, she offered to send me more if I didn't like the ones she sent me. “

 “I think this is a great idea. I've never heard of personalized reading lists. I will be sure to use this feature in the future for my children. Thank you “  “I am excited to have many selections from which to choose. I never imaged a service to aid me in the types of books I love to read. Thank you, P. “

USELESS FACTS AND FIGURES