Crash Course in Readers' Advisory - Softcover

Orr, Cynthia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1610698258 ISBN 13: 9781610698252

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

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.

Reviews

Orr, one of the most respected voices in public library reader services, has put together a strong overview of the major motivations, strategies, and tools for offering strong readers' advisory (RA) services for adult library customers. The first half of the book focuses on establishing RA as a vital library service, offering introductory explorations of types of readers, types of literature, and existing research in reading. Library staff looking for more practical guidance will find the second half of the book most useful. Here Orr clearly describes her "Golden Rules of Readers' Advisory Service"; outlines strategies for assisting both difficult RA customers and casual browsers; and provides comprehensive lists of go-to resources for use in RA interviews as well as resources for staff to keep abreast of goings-on in literature and publishing. Professionals looking to delve into strategies for talking about books in traditional RA interviews should continue to look to Saricks's Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library (ALA Editions, 2005), but Orr's book should serve as the go-to for anyone looking for an overview or a refresher in providing quality RA for adult readers. VERDICT Ideal for those seeking basic training in readers' advisory services for adults.—Amy Koester, Learning Experiences Department, Skokie PL

Edition details

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1610698258
• ISBN 13: 9781610698252
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 190