Readers' Advisory - Do You Know What It Is?

Readers' Advisory is a hallmark of library service. Introducing patrons to a new author or title, helping them select works from a particular genre, or even first setting them on the reading path, librarians use their powers to identify and guide customers to the stories they seek. Whether you are new to the library profession, or you've answered the question, "What do I read next?" countless times, this month's resources can kick-start (or reboot) RA activities, and assist in providing a super service to patrons.

Research: As you research items, using tools like...Goodreads, which suggest readalike titles, authors, and content, book reviews available on blogs and websites (and in print resources), can serve to narrow your selections. Reader reviews in particular can provide the details that some professional literary summaries may not. Look for reviews on retail websites, in the library database, or through sites like LibraryThing.

Reaching out:
Readers Advisory can extend far beyond patron interviews—into reading lists, displays, and other creative combinations of books and interests. RA done well can spark new ideas and connections.

--via Readers Advisory to the Rescue article at Webjunction