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. 

Do You Request Books? — A Reader University Post

By Stacy S. Jensen

This is the eighth post in a series of 12 ways to help authors (and your writing) by reading.

We make requests for all types of things — special food at the supermarket or a song on the radio (OK, maybe that’s showing my age a bit) — so why not do the same with books?

Where you can make a request for a book:

• at the library

• at bookstores

• for classrooms

I have little contact with librarians, but I’m guessing when people ask for a title they take it seriously. You may even find out the book is on order.

In recent weeks, I’ve discovered a few books via NPR weekend radio programs. When I checked my library, I was pleased to see the books were on order. So, I put my name in the hopper to be one of the first readers.

In general, I am of the “what do you have to lose by asking” mindset. If you ask and they tell you no, then nothing’s really lost. If you ask and they tell you yes, well you can get your hands on the book.

I know you can get most titles via Amazon, but if you find a bookstore doesn’t carry your favorite author, ask the bookstore about stocking the book. If the seed is planted, perhaps the buyer will consider the author’s next book.

If you have a relationship with your child’s teacher, recommend books (especially, if your child doesn’t like the selections). I’m not at this stage yet and I’m sure there are processes to approve books — subject matter, reading levels, etc. If you know of an appropriate book by a local (for instance, they reside in your state) recommend it for classroom reading lists or speak with the school librarian about adding it to the school’s selection.

Have you requested a book recently? Was it an easy process? Were you successful?

(This post originally appeared on Stacy S. Jensen's blog on February 24, 2014)

About the Author: Stacy S.Jensen worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for two decades. Today, she writes picture books and revises a memoir manuscript. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and toddler.