Reader’s Advisory A Slightly Irreverent How -To

We’ve all been in this situation. What’s your favorite book? Or I need a good book to read.

Recommendations can be subjective. While you loved a book, someone else (gasp!) may hate it.Books are rarely one size fits all.

So why do we do Reader’s Advisory? It is the best part of our jobs...and sometimes the hardest.

We are experts. When people enter a library, they are looking for help. Help with computers, help with information, and help with finding the right book for them or their child. They rely on our knowledge of our product just as we rely on a salesperson to tell us the best car or what kind of equipment we need to buy. As librarians, we are the ultimate resource.

How do we assist readers with choices? By having a conversation. By knowing our collections, our communities, and our patrons. By knowing our resources (and using them!). By staying informed.

Ask open-ended questions. What are some authors you like? What did you like about the book you just finished? What kind of books do you like to read? What things does your child like to do? What is your child interested in? (sports, animals, minecraft, etc) What have they read in the past that they liked?

Use the right resource. Novelist Fantastic Fiction Literature Map Book Browse NPR Goodreads Genre specific websites ( ) your staff School Library Journal Netgalley

Use Social Media. Goodreads Facebook Twitter Instagram Follow other people who love books!

Stay well-informed. Subscribe to B&T publications. Join publisher lists. Follow blog sites about books (Book Riot, Shelf Awareness). Read book reviews, from People and Entertainment Weekly to Publishers Weekly and VOYA

Teach your staff. Where to find the resources How to use them