A Reader's Advisory - Through the Eyes of a Librarian

By: Summer Greenwood

First, what is Reader’s Advisory?

Reader’s advisory can be as simple as directing a patron to the inspirational fiction section or offering a list of newly released cozy mysteries, science fiction, or romantic suspense novels. However, reading preferences don’t always follow genre lines.

• People want to read a book that makes them feel passion, confused, free, happy terrified, surprised;

• one that  reminds them of home, that book I read last summer, a close friend;  

• one that is not too long, short, fast, slow, scary, boring;

•  or one that helps them escape from the world.

Take a minute to consider your own reading preferences. Do you enjoy one genre, multiple genres, or mixed genres? Can you identify with any of the statements above?

No one can write to please everyone. However, as a librarian, I can assure you that every book pleases someone. That is my job – to match people with the books, movies, classes, music, and technology they need and want. When I review a book, I always keep in mind the intended or unintended audience. The same is true when I recommend a title. I don’t reach for my favorite book; instead, I ask questions to learn more about the patron’s reading style. Does she enjoy short chapters she can finish on a 15-minute break or has she always loved family sagas filled with conflict?

Looking beyond the variety in reader preferences, there are countless ways to find that next good book. Someone might click on a suggested book while using his tablet or pull a new release from a book display. A reader’s next book may be a group read for a book club or one recommended by a friend.

Librarians are excellent sources for book suggestions. Not only do they recommend titles familiar to them, they also enlist the aid of colleagues who enjoy the same subjects or genres the patron does. Colorado libraries also offer access to the NoveList database, which provides recommendations based on books a reader enjoyed in the past. The database is free to patrons and can be searched by plot, genre, and all those tricky preferences such as fast-paced, suspenseful, plot-driven, or romantic.

Consider again your list of reading preferences and those of your friends and colleagues. Do you agree that the audience for your own written work is broader than genre? How can you leverage audience preferences to put your book in the reader’s hands?

To start, a search in NoveList for your novel or books written in a similar style may answer questions you have about your audience. The database provides subjects, genres, tones, and pace for many titles. (To access NoveList, go to your local library website and look for a research, databases, or read link. The website will prompt you for your library card number. Don’t have one? You can access the database from a library without a card.)

Some of these same details are available on Goodreads www.goodreads.com. What lists have similar books been added to? Should your book be on these lists as well? Browsing the Goodreads Listopia www.goodreads.com/list, I found lists as varied as Top Fast-Paced Mysteries, Best Second Chance Romance, and Books Set in Iceland and Greenland.

Don’t stop there! Search for similar lists using a search engine and ask the author of each online list you find to add your book. Check libraries to find out if they purchase books by local authors or if they have a booklist for patrons interested in local authors.

In addition to lists and online sources, librarians, booksellers, reviewers, bloggers, and friends can all introduce your book to the public through reader’s advisory. Your networking opportunities are endless if you are willing to think like a reader.

About the Author: Summer Greenwood is a Library Specialist with the Arapahoe Library District, residing with her husband in the Denver Metro area. She loves writing fantasy fiction, participating in reading challenges, and spending time with her two dogs, Shadow and Savannah, and her Ragdoll cat, Pepper.